Model 

Léon Bakst, a key figure in the Ballets Russes, created this sketch, Model, using white chalk on paper. Bakst was a Jewish artist operating in a time of antisemitism in Russia, and he often navigated complex social and artistic circles. Consider how the figure's pose and expression, though seemingly classical, are rendered with a modern sensibility. The woman’s gaze, averted and perhaps contemplative, speaks volumes. Bakst was deeply involved in shaping visual culture, and his work often challenged traditional representations of women. The delicate use of chalk creates a sense of intimacy, inviting viewers to consider the individual beyond the pose. "Art is the nearest road to truth," Bakst once said, and here, the emotional truth of the model is palpable. This work reveals both the vulnerability and strength inherent in the act of being seen.