Sergei Vasil'evich Chekhonin

Sotheby & Co., London, Sale of Ballet and Theatre Material: Sergei Diaghilev, Boris Kniaseff, Max Beinhardt, 15-16 December 1969, lot 74

The sheet has slightly discoloured but otherwise appears sound and in overall good condition. Held in a simple gold painted wooden frame behind glass. Unexamined out of frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Sergei Chekhonin  was a talented painter, costume designer and graphic artist who in 1918 was appointed as the creative director of the Imperial Porcelain Factory. These designs incorporate the geometric forms for which Chekhonin was renowned in his porcelain designs and underscore the interdisciplinary approach of the World of Art Group.

'His theatre costumes were like a patchwork of gussets of Suprematist canvases, randomly cut out. A new, decorative form was constructed from triangular, square and sometimes oval-shaped forms.' (L. Andreeva, 'On the late creative period of S. Chekhonin', Soviet Decorative Art-76, Moscow, 1978, p. 230)

Humoresque was choreographed by Boris Romanov to music by Tchaikovsky. It was first staged by Vera Nemchinova's Russian Ballet company at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris in 1930