Property from the Private Collection of Pat and Michael York

Léon Bakst

Costume Design for the Russian Doll in La Boutique fantasque

VAT reduced rate

Auction Closed

December 1, 03:47 PM GMT

Estimate

15,000 - 20,000 GBP

Lot Details

Description

Property from the Private Collection of Pat and Michael York

Léon Bakst

1866 - 1924

Costume Design for the Russian Doll in La Boutique fantasque

signed in Latin and dated 18 l.r., inscribed "boutique fantasque" t.r.

pencil, watercolour and gouache on paper

Sheet: 48.5 by 32.5cm, 19 by 12¾in.

Framed: 75 by 58.5cm, 29½ by 23in.

The sheet has been inlaid into a sheet of conservation-grade paper and the surrounding paper has been tinted slightly to match the substrate of the artwork. The colours look bright, particularly the blue, there is no evidence of significant fading. There is light smudging to the pencil areas. There are some minor foxing marks and slight yellowing from light exposure, but this is to be expected with the age of the piece. Held behind plexiglass and framed.

Condition 9 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Studio Sale) is not applicable to this lot.

"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."

Sotheby's London, Ballet and Theatre Material, 25 May 1977, lot 9
Acquired at the above sale by the present owners

La Boutique fantasque is a ballet in one act set to music by Rossini which premiered in London in 1919. Bakst had originally been asked to produce the set and costume designs, however he fell out with Diaghilev and he was replaced by André Derain.