La Péri

Bakst’s 'La Péri' was commissioned by Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes in 1911. Paul Dukas composed the ballet, insisting that his mistress Natacha Trouhanova be its main character but the production was cancelled because Diaghilev did not consider Trouhanova skilled enough to partner Nijinsky. Trouhanova's name appears in the top right corner of the work, but it has been said that there was little resemblance between Bakst's delicate Persian elf and Trouhanova's more robust figure. Bakst’s considered use of line evokes a sense of rhythmic movement enhanced by the delightful exoticism of his decorative costume.