Ballets Russes in the 1920s

The First World War saw the collapse of the Russian, German, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires. After a brutal civil war, Russia came under Communist control and Diaghilev never returned. The belle époque that had seen the birth of the Ballets Russes had been shattered forever.

  • Rear view of costume for a Marquis in The Sleeping Princess



    Rear view of costume for a Marquis in The Sleeping Princess
    Designed by Léon Bakst
    1921
    Museum no. S.817&A,B-1980
    © Victoria & Albert Museum, London

  • Costume for a Negro Lackey



    Costume for a Negro Lackey (as programmes of the time referred to the character) from The Sleeping Princess
    Designed by Léon Bakst
    1921
    Museum no. S.767&A-1980
    © Victoria & Albert Museum, London

  • Costume for Prince Charming from The Sleeping Princess



    Costume for Prince Charming from The Sleeping Princess
    Designed by Léon Bakst
    1921
    Museum no. S.829&B,D,F-1980
    © Victoria & Albert Museum, London

  • A group of costumes for The Sleeping Princess



    A group of costumes for The Sleeping Princess
    Designed by Léon Bakst
    1921
    Museum no. S.817&A,B-1980, S.821&A,B,C-1980, S.119-1981
    © Victoria & Albert Museum, London

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