Indo-persian dance 1912

Léon Bakst created this design for an Indo-Persian dancer in 1912, with watercolor and pencil on paper. Bakst was a key figure in the Ballets Russes, and this work exemplifies the orientalism that was fashionable in Europe at the time. The image invites us to consider the politics of cultural appropriation. Note the dancer's costume: the bright colors, intricate patterns, and exoticized accessories, all referencing a generalized "East" rather than a specific culture. This kind of imagery was popular in the West. Ballet was supported by wealthy patrons, and this piece catered to their desire for exotic and sensual entertainment. To fully understand this artwork, we need to research the history of orientalism and the Ballets Russes. We might ask, what sources did Bakst use for his designs? What did audiences understand about the cultures being represented? Understanding the social and institutional contexts helps us to interpret the meaning of this striking image and its legacy.