Lady in ‘Papillons’
1912 - 1916
Léon Bakst, the legendary designer for Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, created this whimsical costume sketch for a ballet production around 1912. The figure, labeled 'Lady in Papillons,' wears a dramatic white cape edged with thick, ruffled brown trim that cascades down to a vibrant blue skirt, topped with a delicate yellow bonnet and veil. Showcasing the flowing, organic lines typical of Art Nouveau, Bakst revolutionized stage design by moving away from stiff historical accuracy toward something much more dreamlike. Although labeled 'Papillons' (butterflies), the heavy, almost architectural ruffles suggest a character of substantial presence rather than a fragile insect!
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