Leon Bakst's Costume Design for a Boeotian in Narcisse (1911)
A leading feature in the appearance of Ballets Russes are the gorgeous color combinations of Leon Bakst, whose work was the sensation of art galleries and a dominant influence in the fashion world. He was the most distinguished artist in line and color that the theater had at the time. The beauty of Diaghilev's company springs from the costumes and scenery that Bakst designed for it. "Color should afford a joy for the eye." - Bakst
The ballet “Narcisse” is based on the myth of Narcissus and is set in Boeotia at the shrine of Pomona, the goddess of fruitful abundance. The beautiful mountain nymph Echo is spurned and ridiculed by the young, self-indulgent Narcissus. In anger, Echo appeals to the goddess Pomona to make Narcissus fall in love in a way that can never be reciprocated. Under her spell, Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection in a glassy pool. The ballet premiered at the Theatre de Monte Carlo in Monaco on April 26, 1911. The costumes and scenery were designed by Leon Bakst, the choreography was by Michel Fokine and the music by Nikolai Tcherepnin.
Leon Bakst's Costume Design for a Boeotian in Narcisse (1911)
A leading feature in the appearance of Ballets Russes are the gorgeous color combinations of Leon Bakst, whose work was the sensation of art galleries and a dominant influence in the fashion world. He was the most distinguished artist in line and color that the theater had at the time. The beauty of Diaghilev's company springs from the costumes and scenery that Bakst designed for it. "Color should afford a joy for the eye." - Bakst
The ballet “Narcisse” is based on the myth of Narcissus and is set in Boeotia at the shrine of Pomona, the goddess of fruitful abundance. The beautiful mountain nymph Echo is spurned and ridiculed by the young, self-indulgent Narcissus. In anger, Echo appeals to the goddess Pomona to make Narcissus fall in love in a way that can never be reciprocated. Under her spell, Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection in a glassy pool. The ballet premiered at the Theatre de Monte Carlo in Monaco on April 26, 1911. The costumes and scenery were designed by Leon Bakst, the choreography was by Michel Fokine and the music by Nikolai Tcherepnin.