[Ballets Russes] Bakst, Léon. (1866–1924)

Three Leon Bakst Satin and Rayon Hooded Capes from Papillons

Three Leon Bakst Satin and Rayon Hooded Capes from "Papillons," ca. 1914. In fine condition, formerly property of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.


Set to music by Robert Schumann and orchestrated by Nicholas Tcherepnine with libretto by Fokine and costumes by Léon Bakst, "Papillons" was originally premiered at the Maryinsky Theater, St. Petersburg, in 1912. The work was revived for the Ballets Russes in 1914 when Fokine returned to the company for one year, following the dismissal of Nijinsky.


A similar but somewhat more ornamented hooded cape is found the in the National Gallery of Australia's Ballets Russes Collection. According the known Bakst drawings for the production, these capes appear to have been layered over skirts and ornamented on top by shawls and scarves. (10420)
Art/Sculpture
Dance