Costume design for the ballet "Cleopatra" 1909

Léon Bakst made this costume design for the ballet "Cleopatra", and it feels like it was made with such excitement! The colours are rich and warm, mostly reds, oranges and golds, and the marks are delicate, like little whispers of movement. You can feel the dynamism of the dance, the way the dancer twirls and leaps across the stage. Imagine Bakst in his studio, sketching and painting, surrounded by fabrics and ideas, trying to capture the essence of Cleopatra's allure. The patterns on the fabrics are so intricate, like tiny secrets waiting to be discovered. The overall feeling is one of opulence and sensuality, but there's also a hint of mystery, like the secrets of the desert waiting to be uncovered. Bakst's work reminds us that art isn't just about what we see, but also about what we feel and imagine. It's about capturing a moment in time and sharing it with others, inviting them to join in the dance.