lapres-midi dun faune another-nymph 1912 Leon Bakst

The drawing presents a figure rendered in a style that evokes ancient Greek vase painting. The central subject is a female form, depicted frontally and with a pronounced stillness. Her gaze is direct, almost confrontational, yet her expression remains ambiguous – neither overtly joyful nor sorrowful. Long, braided hair cascades down her shoulders, further emphasizing the classical allusion.
The figure’s attire dominates the composition. She wears an elaborate garment patterned with repeating motifs of stylized waves and geometric shapes in blue and white against a cream-colored background. The design is not merely decorative; it seems to suggest movement and fluidity, as if the fabric itself were animated by water. The sleeves are exceptionally wide, extending outwards from her body like wings or fins, contributing to an overall impression of ethereal grace. Her feet are bare, grounding her in a sense of naturalness despite the elaborate ornamentation.
The drawing’s subtexts revolve around themes of antiquity and transformation. The deliberate imitation of ancient Greek artistic conventions suggests a fascination with classical ideals – beauty, harmony, and order. However, the stylized rendering and flattened perspective depart from strict realism, hinting at a reinterpretation rather than a simple reproduction. The wave patterns on her garment could symbolize a connection to nature, or perhaps represent an immersion in a dreamlike state.
The figure’s stillness and direct gaze invite contemplation about identity and representation. She is both present and distant, familiar yet enigmatic. Theres a sense of being caught between worlds – the ancient past and a modern sensibility that seeks to reimagine it. The drawing seems to explore the power of art to evoke memory, desire, and a longing for something lost or unattainable.