Scheherazade negre argent 1910

Léon Bakst made this costume design for Scheherazade using watercolor and graphite. Materials like these are aligned with the traditional fine arts, but here, they serve the very practical purpose of conveying the look of a stage costume. The deep black of the figure’s skin is set off by the pastels of the harem pants, turban, and jewelry, all rendered in striking detail with graphite lines. As a work on paper, it might seem quite distant from the realities of labor and material production. But consider that this design served as a template, which would then be taken up by many skilled makers of textiles and jewelry. It is important to remember that many hands contribute to spectacular performances like Scheherazade, and that the aesthetic effect on stage depends entirely on these contributions. So, next time you attend a performance, consider the many layers of making and craft involved in its realization, and how they contribute to the overall experience.