- 175
Leon Bakst
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 GBP
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Description
- Léon Bakst
- Costume Design for Tamara Karsavina as La Fiancée in Le Dieu Bleu
- signed in Latin and dated 1911 l.r.; inscribed Dieu Bleu and La Fiancée t.r.; bears exhibition labels on the backing
- watercolour, gouache and gold paint on paper
- 28 by 21.5cm, 11 by 8 1/2 in.
Provenance
The Fine Art Society Ltd., London
Maud Russell, Mottisfont, Hampshire, England, 1925
Thence by descent
Maud Russell, Mottisfont, Hampshire, England, 1925
Thence by descent
Condition
The sheet is sound. The surface is discoloured in line with age. There are minor spots of foxing. There are some small creases around the edges and in the upper left and lower left corner. Held in a frame and under glass with mat. 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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
After the extraordinary success of the ballet Cleopatra in 1909, Sergei Diaghilev produced Le Dieu Bleu in 1911, once again incorporating the exotic, Orientalist influences that fascinated early 20th century Parisian audiences. The production was star-studded, with a score by the established Paris Opera composer Reynaldo Hahn, choreography by Michel Fokine, and stars such as Tamara Karsavina and Vaslav Nijinsky. Ultimately, critical reception to Le Dieu Bleu was muted, though Bakst's costume designs are considered, to this day, among the best of his oeuvre. Pale blues, purples, greens and yellows and intricately embroidered fabrics effectively evoke the alluring and mysterious East. The present costume was designed for the role of La Fiancée, performed by Tamara Karsavina in the Ballets Russespremiere.
According to the label on the verso, this work was in the collection of Maud Russell, a patron of the arts and major society figure in the early 20th century.