Bakst

Léon Bakst (1866–1924) was a Russian-born painter and stage designer who became a leading figure in early 20th-century theatre, especially through his work with Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. He is best known for his vibrant, decorative costume and set designs that fused Russian folk motifs with Oriental and Art Nouveau influences, creating a lush, theatrical visual language.

In collaboration with the Ballets Russes, Bakst designed costumes and scenery for major productions, notably The Firebird (1910) and Petrouchka (1911), helping establish the company’s distinctive aesthetic. His work emphasized bold colors, elaborate patterns, and stylized forms that highlighted movement and fantasy rather than naturalism. He also contributed to stage design for opera and theater in Russia and Europe, and his visual language influenced fashionable illustration and decorative arts.

Bakst’s innovations contributed to a broader shift toward non-naturalistic, decorative stage presentation in modern theatre. His influence extended to later generations of designers and artists, shaping the look of early modernism in performance. He died in 1924, leaving a lasting impact on ballet, opera, and the visual culture surrounding them.