Nijinsky, Waslaw. (1889-1950) Postcard Photograph in

Nijinsky, Waslaw. (1889-1950)

Postcard Photograph in "Spectre de la Rose"

An original German postcard photograph of the celebrated dancer in "Spectre de la Rose," identifying the image as by Photo Bert. of Paris. 9 x 14 cm. With a note in a contemporary hand on the verso, one small mark upper right, overall in fine, crisp condition.

Based on a poem by Théophile Gautier, and choreographed by Michel Fokine to the music of Carl Maria von Weber's piano work Aufforderung zum Tanz, the ballet premiered in Monte Carlo on 19 April 1911. The photograph shows Nijinsky as the rose, wearing Bakst's costume of pink-red petals. "In this role...the choreographer drew attention to the importance of what he perceived to be Nijinsky's lack of masculinity. Fokine pointed out that the rose is 'in no circumstance a 'cavalier' or a typical 'ballerina's partner.'" (Peter Stoneley, "A Queer History of the Ballet," p. 75) (14952)

Unsigned Photo Dance