the sleeping beauty countess 1921 Leon Bakst

The artwork presents a figure in elaborate costume against a stark, dark background. The central subject is positioned squarely within the frame, commanding immediate attention. Here we see a person dressed in what appears to be a theatrical or ceremonial attire from a historical period – likely the eighteenth century judging by the style of the wig and garments.
The costume itself is complex and visually arresting. A voluminous, tiered skirt dominates the lower portion, rendered in shades of red and gold with an intricate pattern that suggests rich fabric like brocade or damask. Above this, a fitted bodice, also predominantly gold, features a series of small, regularly spaced openings – perhaps decorative perforations or stylized windows – that disrupt the surface and create visual texture. The sleeves are dark, possibly black, adorned with what seem to be embroidered details along their edges.
The headwear is equally extravagant: a towering wig, styled in cascading curls and plumes, rises dramatically from the head. A large bow adorns the front of the wig, adding further ornamentation. A long, slender object – a riding crop or similar accessory – is held casually in the right hand, extending diagonally across the composition.
The color palette is warm and opulent, with a strong emphasis on gold, red, and black. The limited range of hues contributes to a sense of theatricality and artificiality. The figure’s posture is relatively static, suggesting a posed portrait rather than an action scene.
Subtly, the work seems to explore themes of performance, identity, and social ritual. The elaborate costume suggests a deliberate construction of persona – a character adopted for a specific occasion or purpose. The formality of the pose and the theatricality of the attire imply a commentary on societal conventions and the performative aspects of aristocratic life. The dark background isolates the figure, emphasizing its artificiality and perhaps hinting at an underlying sense of alienation or detachment from reality. Theres a feeling that this is not merely a depiction of dress but rather a study of how clothing can be used to create and project an image – a carefully constructed facade.