Carnaval de Schoumann 1915

Léon Bakst made this costume design for Carnaval de Schoumann, probably with pencil and gouache, in 1918. It's got these really elegant lines and a very distinct colour palette, with that brilliant teal against the cool grey and crisp white. I imagine Bakst, in his studio, quickly sketching the figure, searching for the right pose and angles, then carefully applying the colours to bring the character to life. The paper itself, it's got this gorgeous texture that makes me think about the touch of the artist's hand. That teal line outlining the jacket, it's so deliberate and precise, like a tightrope walk. It shows such intention, doesn't it? Bakst was known for his costume and set designs for the Ballets Russes, and you can see that theatrical flair in this work. His pieces remind me of other costume designers like Erté, who also brought such incredible imagination to the stage. It's a conversation across time and different mediums, all about pushing the boundaries of creativity. It’s as if there is music and movement imbued into the figure.