les femmes de bonne humeur set-design 1917 Leon Bakst

The composition presents a stylized urban landscape framed by a heavy, draped curtain. The scene unfolds beneath a twilight sky rendered in deep blues and purples, creating a sense of theatricality and enclosure. Buildings with simplified architectural details dominate the foreground; their forms are blocky and somewhat abstracted, suggesting an intentional departure from realistic representation. A prominent bell tower rises centrally, its stark white form contrasting against the darker hues of the surrounding structures and sky.
The color palette is restrained, primarily utilizing earth tones – ochres, browns, and terracotta – for the buildings, punctuated by the red roofline of one structure. The limited range contributes to a feeling of melancholy or subdued atmosphere. Figures are sparsely scattered throughout the scene; they appear as indistinct silhouettes, further emphasizing the overall sense of detachment and anonymity.
The curtain’s presence is significant. It acts not merely as a framing device but also introduces an element of artifice, suggesting that what we observe is a constructed reality – a stage set rather than a direct depiction of lived experience. This layering implies a commentary on perception and the nature of representation itself. The subdued lighting and simplified forms evoke a sense of dreamlike unreality, hinting at psychological or emotional states beyond surface appearances.
The arrangement of buildings suggests a deliberate attempt to create visual rhythm and balance, despite the lack of traditional perspective. The composition’s flatness reinforces this effect, flattening the depth and emphasizing the two-dimensionality of the work as a stage design. Overall, the painting conveys an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, tinged with a sense of isolation and theatricality.