cleopatre greek-dancer 1910 Leon Bakst

Here we observe a figure poised in what appears to be a dance movement. The subject is rendered with a stylized grace, suggesting a theatrical or performative context. She stands on her toes, arms raised and slightly bent, as if caught mid-gesture. Her posture conveys both elegance and a certain dynamism.
The artist has chosen a limited palette dominated by warm tones – reds, oranges, and creams – accented with dark green drapery. The figure’s skin is rendered in pale shades, contrasting with the vibrant colors of her attire. A headdress, adorned with what seems to be red fabric or ornamentation, sits atop her head, framing a face characterized by large, almond-shaped eyes and a small mouth.
The dress itself is noteworthy. Its long and flowing, seemingly constructed from layers of fabric that create volume and movement. The surface of the garment is decorated with repeating circular motifs in red, adding visual interest and contributing to an overall sense of pattern and rhythm. Large swathes of dark green fabric are draped around her shoulders and arms, creating a dramatic effect and further emphasizing the theatrical nature of the scene.
The drawing’s simplicity – the lack of background detail and the focus on the figures form and costume – suggests it might be a design for a stage production or ballet. The stylized depiction of the dancer hints at an interest in exoticism, potentially referencing ancient cultures or historical narratives. There is a deliberate flattening of perspective; depth isn’t prioritized, instead contributing to a decorative quality.
The work seems to explore themes of femininity, performance, and perhaps even cultural appropriation – the blending of elements from different traditions to create something new. The overall impression is one of controlled movement, stylized beauty, and an underlying sense of spectacle.