fantasie sur le costume moderne 1910 Leon Bakst

The composition presents two figures rendered in a stylized and decorative manner against a warm orange background. The arrangement is formal; both women stand facing forward, their bodies aligned vertically within the rectangular frame. Their poses are stiff and theatrical, suggesting a deliberate presentation rather than naturalism.
One woman, positioned slightly ahead of the other, wears an elaborate red dress adorned with dark circular motifs that resemble stylized dots or bubbles. A wide yellow band accentuates her waist, while a blue skirt provides contrast at the lower portion of the garment. She holds a vessel – perhaps a ewer or small pitcher – in her raised left hand, its shape echoing the curves found in the decorative elements of her dress. Her hair is styled with an ornate headpiece featuring gold accents and what appears to be a feathered element.
The second woman stands slightly behind, dressed in a white gown with vertical yellow stripes that dominate the design. A tall, cylindrical hat, also striped, sits atop her head, further emphasizing the verticality of the composition. Her arms are extended forward, hands clasped as if in a gesture of presentation or greeting. The overall effect is one of heightened elegance and artificiality.
The color palette is bold and limited, relying on strong contrasts between red, yellow, blue, and white. This restricted range contributes to the decorative quality of the work, prioritizing visual impact over realistic representation. The figures themselves appear almost mannequin-like, their faces rendered with minimal detail and a lack of individual expression.
Subtly, theres an exploration of modernity through costume. The garments are not necessarily practical or functional; instead, they seem designed for display and aesthetic effect. The unusual combinations of colors and shapes suggest a playful experimentation with fashion, hinting at a desire to break from traditional forms. The formality of the poses and the lack of naturalism imply that these women exist within a constructed world – a stage set where appearance is paramount. Theres an underlying sense of artifice and theatricality, suggesting a commentary on societal expectations surrounding femininity and presentation during this period.