Artwork
Print Collection
Print Collection is a print by Nicolai Legat. It dates from 1902 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Nicolai Legat (1869‑1937) and his younger brother Sergei Legat (1875‑1905) were prominent figures in the Russian Imperial Ballet, known both for their performing careers and for creating satirical prints that caricatured colleagues in the dance world.
Subject & Meaning
The prints depict fellow dancers, choreographers and musicians of the Imperial Ballet in exaggerated, humorous poses, offering a glimpse of backstage personalities and the camaraderie that existed among the company’s artists.
Technique & Style
Executed as black‑and‑white prints, the images employ bold line work and exaggerated proportions to emphasize characteristic gestures and facial features, a common approach in caricature that balances recognizable likeness with comic distortion.
History & Provenance
Both brothers contributed to the series while active in the Imperial Ballet; after Sergei’s death in 1905, Nicolai continued to produce similar works, eventually teaching abroad in Russia, Paris and London, where the prints entered various collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Russian Imperial Ballet was a leading cultural institution. The Legat brothers’ satirical prints reflect an internal tradition of informal critique and humor among artists, contrasting with the formal public image of the ballet.
Artist & collection
Artist
This printmaker was active around 1902, turning scenes from everyday life into crisp black-and-white images.
