- 182
Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 GBP
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Description
- Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
- Five costume designs for The Nutcracker
- each signed in Latin, variously inscribed and dated 1937, two further signed on reverse; four bearing Arts Council exhibition labels on the reverse
- watercolour and ink over pencil on paper, four with attached material samples
- largest: 37.5 by 26.5cm, 14 3/4 by 10 1/2 in.; smallest: 36 by 26cm, 14 by 10 1/4 in.
Provenance
Acquired from Nadia Benois by John Carr Doughty
Sotheby's London, Ballet Designs from the Collection of Mr and Mrs John Carr-Doughty, 4 June 1981, lots 222, 227, 228, 229
A gift from John Carr Doughty to the present owner in the 1990s
Sotheby's London, Ballet Designs from the Collection of Mr and Mrs John Carr-Doughty, 4 June 1981, lots 222, 227, 228, 229
A gift from John Carr Doughty to the present owner in the 1990s
Exhibited
One possibly in London, National Gallery, CEMA, Exhibition of Ballet Design, 1943, no.30 listed as The Nutcracker
Arts Council of Great Britain touring exhibition, Diaghilev: an exhibition of costume and set designs chiefly for Diaghilev's ballets, drawn from the collection of John Carr Doughty, 1967, nos. 23, 25, 26, 36, 37
Arts Council of Great Britain touring exhibition, Diaghilev: an exhibition of costume and set designs chiefly for Diaghilev's ballets, drawn from the collection of John Carr Doughty, 1967, nos. 23, 25, 26, 36, 37
Literature
One possibly listed in the catalogue of the Exhibition of Ballet Design, London, National Gallery, CEMA, 1943, p.7 as The Nutcracker
The Arts Council of Great Britain touring exhibition, Diaghilev, Designs from the John Carr Exhibition catalogue, Diaghilev: an exhibition of costume and set designs chiefly for Diaghilev's ballets, drawn from the collection of John Carr Doughty, Arts Council of Great Britain touring exhibition, 1967, p.10, illustrated on p.8
The Arts Council of Great Britain touring exhibition, Diaghilev, Designs from the John Carr Exhibition catalogue, Diaghilev: an exhibition of costume and set designs chiefly for Diaghilev's ballets, drawn from the collection of John Carr Doughty, Arts Council of Great Britain touring exhibition, 1967, p.10, illustrated on p.8
Condition
The sheets have discoloured and have light creases throughout. There are some pinholes and minor dents to the surface in places. There is a layer of light surface dirt, some minor foxing and nicks to the edges. Held in simple wooden frames under glass. Unexamined out of frames.
"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
These charming and detailed designs were most likely intended for the 1938 revival of The Nutcracker ballet. They are designs for the Nutcracker, Count Tannenbaum, Clara Tannenbaum, Monsieur von Semmel and a Lady in fancy dress.