Le grand peintre russe nous promet pour bientôt Circa 1915

This striking work by Léon Bakst, titled “Le grand peintre russe nous promet pour bientôt…” (“The great Russian painter promises us soon…”), vividly captures the spirit of early 20th-century wartime propaganda through the lens of avant-garde art. Known for his influential designs for the Ballets Russes, Bakst brings his dynamic, theatrical style to this political illustration, which portrays a bold leap from the Carpathian Mountains to Berlin, symbolizing a powerful advance into German territory.

Bakst’s image merges patriotic optimism with artistic expression, featuring a dancer in a vibrant red costume making an impossibly long leap across an exaggerated landscape. His body stretches across the expanse of mountains and fields, a striking symbol of movement and power. The vibrant red, an unmistakable focal point, evokes courage, energy, and determination, contrasting with the more subdued figures of the German and Austrian troops below, depicted with a sense of shock and vulnerability. This figure’s fluid, almost acrobatic motion is distinctly reminiscent of the Ballets Russes, known for innovative and expressive choreography—a cultural bridge between Bakst’s art and Russia’s wartime ambitions.

The text at the top translates roughly as, “The great Russian painter, Léon Bakst, promises us soon: ‘From the Carpathians to Berlin, a leap in the style of the Ballets Russes, to the great amazement of these German and Austrian dogs.’” This line reinforces the bold optimism of the artwork, portraying German and Austrian forces in derogatory terms to rally French or Russian sentiment. During World War I, such depictions were not uncommon, as artists used caricature and national symbols to bolster morale and sway public opinion.

The illustration is typical of Bakst’s unique fusion of fine art and theatricality. His background in costume and set design for the Ballets Russes is evident in the highly stylized approach, with a strong sense of movement and drama that extends beyond typical propaganda illustrations. Bakst, celebrated for his vibrant and dramatic visuals, applies similar techniques here, translating his visionary stage design into a politically charged visual commentary. His ability to evoke both elegance and intensity makes this piece an evocative example of art as a tool of wartime communication.

Though primarily known as a designer and painter, Bakst’s venture into political artwork such as this demonstrates the reach and versatility of his talents. The piece stands as a testament to the era's fusion of cultural and political currents, illustrating how artists contributed to the wartime atmosphere by mobilizing their skills in service of national sentiment. Today, this work remains a compelling historical artifact, blending art and politics in a style uniquely Bakst's own.

Original Poster

War 14-18 - Political

Karpaths in Berlin, a leap in the style of the Russian ballets, to the great stupor of these dogs of Germans and Austrians

Good condition, a trace of fold