Artwork
La Boutique Fantastique
La Boutique Fantastique is a photographic photography by Ltd. Foulsham & Banfield. It dates from 1924 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
La Boutique Fantastique is a photograph capturing a painted cloth from the set of the Ballets Russes' production of the same name.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a specific set element from La Boutique Fantastique, a ballet that combined Massine's choreography with Rossini's music, highlighting the intersection of dance, music, and visual art in early 20th-century theatre.
Technique & Style
The photograph showcases André Derain's set design, characterized by his distinctive visual approach, though the image's primary focus is documentary, preserving a fragment of the ballet's stage design rather than interpreting it artistically.
History & Provenance
Originating from the Ballets Russes' production, the photograph's context suggests it was likely taken for archival or promotional purposes, though specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
Created in the era of the Ballets Russes' influence on modern ballet, the photograph reflects the company's collaborative approach, bringing together renowned artists across disciplines.
Artist & collection
Artist
London in the 1920s had a buzzing arts scene, and photographers like Ltd. Foulsham & Banfield were right in the middle of it. Their images capture the era’s energy with crisp portraits and candid shots of city life.…
