L’Art Décoratif Théatral Moderne, Gontcharova & Larionov 1919
Gontcharova and Larionov were close associates of Diaghilev and two of the protagonists in the stylistic revolution that his Ballets Russes inspired in Paris beginning in 1909. Together they produced this wonderful collection of designs in conjunction with a show of their work at the Galerie Sauvage in 1918. Showing a wide range of influences from Russian popular art to early cubism, the portfolio surveys their creations for such successful productions as “Le Coq d’Or” and “Kikimora”. This is an extremely important document for the evolution of design and the performing arts alike. The album contains 14 color illustrations, of which 6 are pochoir and 5 of the illustrations are double plates. (From Manet to Hockney: Modern Illustrated Books, London: The Victoria & Albert Museum, 1985; p. 154.)
