Leon Bakst

Happy Birthday Leon Bakst!! The Russian painter was born in 1866 and best known for being a scene, stage and costume designer. He was born Rosenberg but took his Mother’s maiden name, feeling his Father’s was too Jewish to sell his art. He worked for a time as a book illustrator and easel painter, turning to stage design in 1909. Hi designed sets and costumes for the Russian Ballet and other productions, including the Greek Tragedies and scenery for Cleopatra. An exhibition of his work will be presented late this year at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.