design sketch for the ballet Ts Puni Humpbacked Horse. 1914

The sketch presents a scene imbued with a sense of fantastical movement and theatricality. Here we observe a group of figures clustered around what appears to be a central, equine form – a horse, though rendered in a stylized and somewhat abstracted manner. The composition is dominated by an interplay of blues and browns, punctuated by splashes of pink that draw the eye towards specific areas within the scene.
The artist employed a loose, gestural brushstroke, prioritizing energy over precise detail. This technique contributes to the feeling of spontaneity and immediacy characteristic of preliminary sketches intended for performance design. The figures are not individually defined; instead, they exist as blocks of color and form, suggesting their roles within a larger narrative rather than individual personalities.
The background is rendered in deep blues, creating an atmosphere that feels both mysterious and dreamlike. This contrasts with the warmer tones used to depict the foreground figures and the central horse-like figure, further emphasizing their importance. The pink accents – likely representing flowers or costume details – add a touch of whimsy and visual interest.
The sketch’s subtexts likely relate to the narrative it was intended to serve: a ballet. The blurred lines and ambiguous forms suggest a world where reality is malleable and imagination reigns supreme. The central equine figure, given the context of the works origin, probably represents a mythical creature – a Humpbacked Horse – and its presence implies themes of folklore, magic, and perhaps even social commentary through allegory. The overall impression is one of dynamic movement and theatrical spectacle, hinting at a performance designed to transport audiences into a realm beyond everyday experience.