istar ida-rubinstein-as-istar 1924 Leon Bakst

Here we observe a drawing depicting a female figure in a stylized costume design. The composition is straightforward: the subject stands facing forward, occupying nearly the entire vertical space. Her posture suggests both dignity and a restrained theatricality; she does not appear entirely at ease, but rather poised for presentation.
The artist has rendered her with elongated features – a slender neck, large eyes, and an angular face – characteristic of Art Deco aesthetics prevalent in the early 20th century. The hair is drawn back severely, emphasizing the linearity of her profile. A sense of otherworldly beauty is conveyed through this deliberate distortion of natural proportions.
The costume itself is a complex arrangement of textures and colors. It appears to be constructed from layers of pale blue fabric, with darker brown panels strategically placed along the sides of the legs. The neckline reveals a decorative element – a circular motif adorned with what seems to be stylized floral or celestial imagery. This detail hints at symbolic significance beyond mere adornment; it suggests a connection to mythology or ritual. The sleeves are short and open, revealing slender arms clad in green stockings that extend into pointed shoes. Bands of red accent the lower hem of the garment and the cuffs of the sleeves, providing visual contrast against the dominant blue tones.
The color palette is restrained but impactful. The cool blues and greens evoke a sense of serenity and perhaps even melancholy, while the touches of brown and red introduce warmth and dynamism. The artist’s use of watercolor allows for subtle gradations in tone, creating a soft, almost ethereal quality.
Inscribed near the figure are the words ISTAR and what appears to be an initial followed by a surname. This inscription suggests that the drawing is intended as a design or study related to a theatrical production or performance involving a character named Istar. The name itself carries significant weight; in Mesopotamian mythology, Ishtar (or Inanna) is a goddess associated with love, war, and fertility – a figure of considerable power and complexity.
The overall impression is one of carefully considered design intended to evoke a sense of ancient grandeur filtered through the lens of modern aesthetics. The drawing seems less about literal representation than about capturing an essence – a suggestion of divine presence or theatrical persona.