Léon Bakst

BAKST, Léon (1866–1924), Arsène ALEXANDRE (1859–1937) and Jean COCTEAU (1889–1863). The Decorative Art of Leon Bakst. London: The Fine Art Society, 1913.

First edition, inscribed by the artist, of a richly-illustrated publication with full page reproductions of the famous costume designs of Bakst.

Folio. Title printed in black and red, mounted photogravure portrait frontispiece, 77 mounted plates, all but one after Bakst, 50 printed in colour and 4 folding, head- and tailpieces after Bakst (one plate unadhered at one corner). Original half vellum gilt, Bakst signature in facsimile on the front board, the spine lettered and decorated in gilt, top edge gilt, others uncut (lightly rubbed, a few minor chips). Provenance: 'Je voudrais etre quelque chose dans la beauté de votre talent, car la beauté tout court vous etes arriver [sic] au summum, Leon Bakst, 1921' (inscription by Bakst beneath portrait) – The Hon. Lois Sturt (1900-1937; bookplate) - later inscription on rear endpaper dated 1952.