Artwork
Le Carnaval
Le Carnaval is a photographic photography by Dover Street Studios Ltd.. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Le Carnaval is a photograph depicting Elsa Will in a performance of the Ballets Russes' production of the same name. The work is attributed to Dover Street Studios Ltd.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph captures a moment from Le Carnaval, a ballet choreographed by Michel Fokine to Robert Schumann's music, featuring Léon Bakst's distinctive scenery and costume designs. Elsa Will is the central figure in the captured scene.
Technique & Style
The photographic technique employed in Le Carnaval suggests a potential use of sfumato, characterized by soft, hazy effects and subtle transitions between light and dark, enhancing the dreamlike quality of the ballet's atmosphere.
History & Provenance
Produced by Dover Street Studios Ltd., the photograph documents a performance of the renowned Ballets Russes, highlighting the intersection of dance, music, and visual arts in early 20th-century theatrical productions.
Context
Le Carnaval, as part of the Ballets Russes repertoire, reflects the company's innovative approach to ballet, combining Fokine's choreography, Schumann's classical music, and Bakst's avant-garde design, influencing the development of modern ballet.
Artist & collection
Artist
This British studio made early 20th-century photographs that feel like silent movie stills.
