Alexander Nikolaevich Benois

Estimate

40,000 - 60,000 GBP

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Description

Alexander Nikolaevich Benois
Set Design for the Wedding of Psyche and Amour
signed in Latin, dated 1928 and inscribed Les noces de Psyché et de l'Amour Décor IIème effet: Apothéose Noces de Psyche on the reverse
watercolour and ink on paper laid on card
45 by 62.5cm, 17 3/4 by 24 1/2 in.

Catalogue Note

The Marriage of Psyche and Amour was first performed at the Opéra de Paris in 1928. Some of the greatest artists of the time came together to bring this legendary love story to life with sets and costume designs by Alexander Benois. Johann Sebastian Bach’s original score was adapted by Arthur Honneger, choreography was conceived by Leonid Massine and Bronislava Nizhinskaya. The role of Psyche was played by the iconic dancer and company director Ida Rubinstein. Rubinstein collaborated successfully with Benois for several ballets such as Le Baiser de la Fée and Maurice Ravel's Boléro.