Costume design for ‘Sadko’; Indian guest
circa 1917
Léon Bakst channels the exoticism of the Art Nouveau movement in this dazzling costume design for the 'Indian Guest' from the opera Sadko. The figure is draped in a magnificent robe covered in intricate, jewel-toned patterns of blue, gold, and purple that resemble luxurious Persian carpets brought to life. Topped with a feathered turban and leaning on a staff, this mysterious traveler looks ready to step right off the stage. Bakst was a theatrical design superstar, famous for his work with the Ballets Russes, and he used these opulent, vibrant sketches to transport audiences to faraway fantasy lands decades before modern travel made it easy.
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