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LÈon Bakst (Lev Samoilovich Rosenberg), designer
Russian, 1866 - 1924
Ballet skirt from "Giselle", early 20th century
silk and georgette
Lent by the Bancroft Library L78.87.5

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Artist Credit: all

Artist Biography: Born Lev Samoilovich Rosenberg. Student at the Academy of St. Petersburg. Began calling himself LÈon Bakst (mother*s maiden name), in the late 1890s. Established himself in Moscow and adhered to the Russian academic tradition, taking his subjects from popular life. However, little by little he began to stray from the traditional, profoundly influenced by modern French art. A proponent of the new style in Russia, he founded the group "Mir Iskousstva" ("Artistic World"), but soon left Moscow and St. Petersburg for Paris (1893). Played a considerable role during the years preceding World War I as a costume decorator and designer for the famous Russian ballets directed by Serge de Diaghileff. A bold colorist, possessing a heightened sense of an art in service to rhythm and subject to variations in lighting, Bakst realized a bold and pleasing fusion of the elements of Russian popular art and the values of modern French art, influenced notably by Aubrey Beardsley, as well as by Greek vase painting and the Fauvism of Henri Matisse. Established legal residence in Paris in 1912.

Related Keywords
Giselle from skirt Ballet Library Bancroft by Lent Europe Russia Garment Woman's georgette silk flowers tan appliqued bands blue two white Léon Bakst Lev Samoilovich Rosenberg Bakst~ Russian 8529319100180028 A309644 L78.87.5 TEX