[Ballets Russes] Diaghilev, Sergei. (1872-1929) [Larionov, Mikhail. (1881 - 1964)]
Original Portrait Drawing
A scarce original profile portrait sketch in black ink of the important ballet impresario and founder of the Ballets Russes, shown beside an unsually (for Larionov) stylized ballerina, with larger legs, smallish head and round breasts. Initialled "M.L." by the artist. Some wrinkling and water damage to the lower left area, not affecting the drawing and overall very good and well matted out of sight. Originally removed from a Larionov sketchbook of ballerinas. Pages measures approx. 12 x 18 inches.Authenticated by Dr. Anthony Parton, author of "Mikhail Larionov and the Russian Avant-Garde," and to be included in his combined catalogue raisonne of Mikhail Larionov & Natalia Gontcharova.
Larionov was a leader of the Russian avant-garde before World War I, but came to prominence in the West through his work for the Ballets Russes. He designed costumes and sets for "Le Soleil de Nuit" (1915), "Kikimora" (1916), "Contes Russes" (1917), "Chout" (1921) and "Le Renard" (1922). (5054)
Art/Sculpture Dance