Lev Samoilovich Bakst was a Russian artist of the 19th and 20th centuries, a prominent representative of Art Nouveau. The work of Lev Bakst is very multifaceted: he painted portraits, landscapes, created book illustrations, theatrical scenery, costume designs. The paintings of the master fascinate with the technique, the authenticity of the transfer of the state of the character.

Biography

Lev Bakst later changed his real name Leib-Chaim Rosenberg to a pseudonym in 1889, based on his mother’s maiden name, Baxter. Since childhood, the boy loved to draw, although his father did not take it seriously. And only grandfather, a fan of the theater, supported his grandson’s passion.

Lev Bakst after graduating from the gymnasium in his native city in 1883 left for St. Petersburg. There he attends the Academy of Arts as a volunteer, but did not finish it. Then the future master studied painting with Alexander Benois, worked as an illustrator of children’s publications. In 1889, the first exposition of the beginning artist took place.

In 1893, Lev Bakst went to Paris, where he improved his knowledge and sold paintings.

Upon his return to the Russian capital, the artist began to attend the Benois circle, whose members later formed an association called the World of Art. It published its own magazine, edited by Sergei Diaghilev, and Bakst became the head of the art department. In addition, Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovich invited the painter to teach drawing to his children.

In the 1910s Bakst painted portraits of many famous contemporaries, landscapes, works on mystical themes. He began to create scenery for performances, sketches of costumes, showing an outstanding design talent.

In 1903, the painter married the daughter of Pavel Tretyakov, Lyubov Gritsenko.

For the sake of this marriage, he became a Lutheran. At first, the love union brought joy to the master, but after a few years the couple broke up. Nevertheless, Lev Bakst warmly communicated with his ex-wife, helped her and her son Andrei financially.

In 1907, the master, together with Valentin Serov, visited Greece. There he became interested in antique themes, painted Mediterranean landscapes, which became the basis for many theatrical scenery.

After the divorce, Bakst again converted to Judaism, which is why, under the new law of the Russian Empire, he was forced to leave St. Petersburg. The artist moved to Paris. Here he designed Diaghilev’s ballets, became famous throughout the world for his unique scenery, costumes for famous artists. The master carefully thought out the color palette and ornaments to emphasize the flexibility and plasticity of the actors.