Big Philanthropic Puppet Bazaar, St. Petersburg 1899

This 1899 poster by Léon Bakst, titled "Big Philanthropic Puppet Bazaar, St. Petersburg", is a vibrant depiction of a young girl in a yellow dress tenderly kissing a fallen puppet. The poster was likely commissioned to advertise a charitable event held in St. Petersburg, Russia, where puppets were sold for a good cause. Bakst was a renowned artist and designer known for his Art Nouveau and theatrical works. His dynamic use of color and expressive brushstrokes give this poster a sense of both whimsy and pathos. The poster serves as a reminder of the social conscience prevalent in the late 19th century, where art could be employed to raise awareness and support for important social issues.