The Russian designer and painter Léon Bakst (1866–1924), born Lev Samuilovich Rozenberg, is more generally known for his luscious costume and set designs for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes as witness Schéhérazade. When I discovered his magnificent portrait of Rachel Strong, the future Countess Henri de Buazhelen, on Wikimedia, I was entranced and knew I had to sell it on First Night Vintage. What I wouldn’t do to be dressed thus — such elegance. If I had the means and the money, I would get gifted photographer James Hall of Just Add Pictures, whose recreations of classics I have enjoyed, to recreate this portrait with me and my dog! I can dream.
Who was Rachel Strong? Apart from marrying Count Henri de Buazhelen, I have been able to find nothing of note about either of them, which is a shame. If anyone comes across a snippet of information, do let me know.
Available at the following galleries:
Zazzle US
Zazzle UK
Fine Art America
Fine Art England
Take care and keep laughing!
First Night Design 
This is stunning artwork.Such supreme elegance from that period. Any wonder I like the Edwardian era for the style of clothes.Maybe my frock coat and top hat can stand beside you when you recreate the picture yourself.
xxx Huge Hugs xxx
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Of course you can! Hugs. xx
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I love the painting, the clothes, everything…..stunning, indeed. Thank you and have a wonderful day and definitely keep smiling:)xx
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I’m so pleased you like it as much as I do, Janet. Keep smiling. xx
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Sarah, thank you for your flattering reference. It is a great image and it would be churlish not to see if we can respond to the challenge. Are you able to contact me privately so we can discuss how we might do it? James
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Pleasure! I’ll certainly email you but I’m not sure how we can do it as I’m in Crete!
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Crete may be a stretch, but you have certainly inspired me to consider that compelling image. Hope you like the Four Seasons.
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This truly is a captivating image.
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Isn’t it just!
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Always been a fan of Mr Bakst, nice to see a portrait for a change and a stunning one at that!
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I was really surprised to see the portrait. I’m glad we think alike!
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It is a lovely portrait as you say, and by the looks of it, me and that dog might well have one or two useful conversations. Have a lovely weekend 🙂
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🙂
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Awesome painting, the contrasts are brilliant – wonderful Sarah.
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I’m happy you like it as much as I do, Mary.
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That is an elegant lady indeed, an epitome of 20s style.
She looks so sad though, and the background is reminiscent of a scene from a WW1 painting.
It is certainly haunting, and deserving of detailed examination.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I think she looks contemplative rather than sad. But if there is a hint of sadness there, perhaps we can imagine that the man she truly loved was killed in the war and that she didn’t really want to marry the count!
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That works for me, Sarah. x
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I’d never heard of Leon, but if this is an example of his work–I’m going to explore more about him. You have such wonderful taste, Sarah.
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Bless you. That’s a great compliment, although if I’m being fair, what is taste except ones personal appreciation. I try not to be be dismissive of people whose tastes differ from my own but I do wonder sometimes at some of things people like!
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Reblogged this on ' Ace Friends News '.
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I love fashions from this era. Some of them seem a bit of a nuisance to keep organized – which layer goes next, etc. – but the effect is stunning.
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