Nymph in ‘L’après-midi d’un faune’ 1912 - 1916

This costume design of a nymph was made by Léon Bakst for Debussy's ballet, "L’après-midi d’un faune". It is a piece that really celebrates process, a kind of controlled spontaneity. Bakst uses simple shapes, flat colors, and distinct outlines that suggest both classical restraint and art deco playfulness. The texture is pretty flat, but there’s a lightness to it. It's like he is thinking through the design, letting the shapes fall into place, creating a real harmony between the figure and the costume. I love the green wave motifs on the bodice, they remind me of Hokusai and also Matisse cut outs, it's cool how Bakst mixes them with those Greek-key inspired geometric patterns. The color palette is fresh and balanced, with the bold green and blue offset by that creamy white. This piece speaks to how visual ideas travel and evolve across time, proving that art is a never-ending conversation.