Scheherazade Dancer: A Homage to Leon Bakst (2026) Original Watercolour by Olga Beliaeva Watercolour

I am delighted to present this original watercolor painting, a costume design for a dancer in the ballet Schéhérazade, from the legendary Ballets Russes. This piece is created as a deeply personal homage to my favorite artist, Léon Bakst.

My passion for Bakst's aesthetics and the Ballets Russes inspired me to capture the same exotic energy, bold color combinations, and fluidity of fabric that made his work immortal. The painting depicts a female corps de ballet dancer in a dynamic, 'soaring' pose. Her richly adorned costume—turban, striped bodice, harem pants, and decorated fabric 'wings'—is inspired by Bakst’s original designs. Her long, beautifully patterned scarf, featuring sun and paisley motifs, 'dances' in the air, mirroring her movements.

The artwork is rendered with delicate layers of watercolor and precise, elegant ink contours on high-quality archival watercolor paper. Unframed. This piece will bring the spirit of exotic ballet, the elegance of Art Nouveau, and the vibrancy of the Ballets Russes to any space. Ideal for collectors of theatrical art and ballet enthusiasts.

Léon Bakst
Leon Bakst style
Ballets Russes
Diaghilev
Schéhérazade
Sheherazade ballet
Costume design
Ballet art
Dance painting
Exotic costume
Watercolor painting
Original artwork
Art Nouveau
Art Deco
Dancer
Turban
Harem pants
Persian theme
Orientalism
Illustrative
Blue and Orange
Dynamic pose

Materials used:

watercolor, paper

Details:

• Watercolour on Paper
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 28 x 35 x 0.1cm (unframed)
• Signed on the back
• Style: Illustrative
• Subject: People and portraits

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