Léon Bakst (Russian, 1866-1924) Costume Design for the Marchioness (Hunting) in THE SLEEPING PRINCESS

Description:

Léon Bakst (Russian, 1866-1924)

Costume Design for the Marchioness (Hunting) in THE SLEEPING PRINCESS Signed and dated "Bakst 1921" l.r., identified on labels (see below) affixed to the backing.
Gouache with gold and pencil on paper, 11 7/16 x 9 in. (29.0 x 22.8 cm),framed.
Condition: Not examined out of frame.

Provenance: The Robert Bunting Dance Collection, American & European Works of Art, Skinner, Inc., September 20, 2013, Sale 2673B, Lot 307.

Literature: Léon Bakst, André Levinson, and Pablo Picasso, The Designs of Léon Bakst for the Sleeping Princess: A Ballet in Five Acts After Perrault, Music by Tchaikovsky (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1923),Plate II, p. 23.

Exhibitions: Leon Bakst, Davis & Long Company, New York, February 2 to 26, 1977, cat. no. 68; Bakst, McNay Art Institute, San Antonio, Texas, March 15 to April 17, 1977, cat no. 68.

N.B. The Sleeping Princess, with choreography by Marius Petipa (reproduced by Nicholas Sergeyev),scenery and costumes by Léon Bakst, was produced for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, premiering November 2, 1921, at the Alhambra Theatre, London. It is based on the fairy tale, Sleeping Beauty.
Estimate $20,000-30,000

The frame was not opened because the edges of the sheet are fully visible within the mat, and it was thought better not to remove the backing from the frame because of the exhibition documentation on the frame backing. The work appears to be affixed to the back mat in three places along the top edge of the reverse. The lower corners do not appear to be affixed to the mat at all. There is toning to the laid paper which peeks through the brushwork of white pigment that forms the background. Stray mark visible in the upper left corner does not appear to be an abrasion or crease.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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