#22360 Leon Bakst

The drawing presents a full-length portrait of a male figure, rendered against a plain, beige background. The subject stands facing forward, his posture erect and dignified. He is adorned in elaborate attire indicative of a specific cultural or theatrical context.
A prominent feature is the tall, cylindrical headdress, white in color and topped with a decorative band. This headwear immediately suggests an association with ceremonial or formal occasions. Below it, a high-necked garment, predominantly black, covers his upper body. The sleeves are long and fitted to the elbows, where they flare out into wide, layered cuffs wrapped with what appears to be white fabric. A broad sash of gold fabric encircles his waist, accentuating the figure’s form and adding a touch of opulence.
The lower portion of the garment is a long, flowing robe or tunic, also black, that reaches down to cover the ankles. The legs are visible beneath the robe, clad in loose-fitting trousers, similarly colored and gathered at the ankles with decorative bands. His footwear consists of dark slippers, pointed at the toes.
The artist has employed a limited palette – primarily blacks, golds, and whites – which contributes to the overall formality and theatricality of the piece. The rendering is relatively flat, lacking significant shading or depth, suggesting that it might be a costume design or preparatory sketch rather than a finished artwork intended for display.
Subtly, theres an air of studied composure about the figure; his expression is neutral, almost impassive. This lack of overt emotion reinforces the impression of a staged persona, someone embodying a role rather than expressing personal sentiment. The inscription in the lower right corner – Costume for Bakit and a date of 1914 – provides crucial context: this is not simply a portrait but a design intended for theatrical production. It implies that the figure represents a character within a play or performance, and his attire is integral to conveying that character’s identity and status.