Leonid Massine - Leon Bakst

A graphite portrait of the dancer Leonid Massine by Leon Bakst, captured in 1917 during their collaboration with the Ballets Russes.

This portrait of the dancer and choreographer Leonid Massine captures the subject with a direct, observant gaze. Executed in 1917, the drawing reflects the close professional association between Massine and Leon Bakst during their time with the Ballets Russes. Bakst, known primarily for his theatrical costume and set designs, here employs a restrained graphite technique to focus on the facial features of the young dancer.

The composition is minimal, placing the subject against a neutral background. Bakst uses light, rhythmic strokes to define the hair and the contours of the face, while the eyes are rendered with greater density to draw the viewer in. The collar of the shirt is suggested through loose, fluid lines, maintaining the sketch-like quality of the work. This piece offers a glimpse into the personal rapport between the artist and his muse, stripped of the elaborate ornamentation often associated with Bakst's stage work.

Leonid Massine joined the Ballets Russes in 1914 and quickly became a central figure in the company, succeeding Vaslav Nijinsky as the principal male dancer. Bakst, who had been instrumental in the company's visual identity since its inception, produced several portraits of the dancers he worked with. This drawing is a study of character rather than a formal commission. It records the youthful appearance of Massine during a period of intense creative output for the company. The work remains a clear example of Bakst's ability to capture personality through simple draughtsmanship, demonstrating his skill beyond the medium of stage design. The portrait is signed and dated in the lower left corner, confirming its provenance within the artist's later period.