Decoration for the Ballet 'Romeo and Juliet' by S. Prokofiev 

Alexander Khvostenko-Khvostov created this stage set design for Sergei Prokofiev's ballet, 'Romeo and Juliet,' using watercolor and pencil. As a stage design, this work considers the viewer as part of a wider assembly. Rather than depicting an object, its composition is designed for the consumption of a large group, where visual clarity is crucial. Note how the columns are rendered with spiraling lines, an intriguing method to enhance their visual impact. The use of repeated geometric patterns around the arch creates a sense of visual rhythm, a device that keeps the viewer engaged. Khvostenko-Khvostov's design embodies the principles of the Russian avant-garde, emphasizing construction and geometry. This approach underscores the social function of art, highlighting the communal experience rather than individual expression. It asks us to consider how stage design can shape the viewer's experience, creating a shared emotional and intellectual space.