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Alexandre Nikolaevich Benois (1870–1960), Russian Watercolor on Paper, 1948 Image: 4 1/2 in H x 7 in W (11.4 × 17.8 cm) Framed: 11 in H x 13 1/2 in W (27.9 × 34.3 cm)
This delicate watercolor by Alexandre Benois captures the refined elegance of an interior with the artist’s unmistakable sense of harmony, color, and atmosphere. The composition is intimate yet richly detailed: a patterned wall, finely rendered furniture, and a striking blue door evoke the refined décor of a bygone era, recalling Benois’ deep admiration for the art and interiors of the 18th century. His eye for stage-like arrangement transforms this simple scene into a poetic vignette.
Benois, a central figure of the “World of Art” (Mir Iskusstva) movement, was not only a celebrated painter and watercolorist but also one of the most influential stage designers of the early 20th century. He created iconic designs for Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes, including Petrushka (1911) and Le Rossignol (1914). Beyond his work as an artist, Benois was an art historian, prolific author, and served as curator of painting at the Hermitage from 1918 to 1925 before settling in Paris.
Works by Benois are held in major museum collections worldwide, and his watercolors remain highly sought after for their rare combination of historical depth, theatrical elegance, and intimate charm. This piece, modest in scale yet rich in atmosphere, exemplifies the artist’s ability to turn interiors into living works of art.
