Studies from the Russian Ballet
London: Fine Art Society, 1913. First edition. Loose leaf. Large Folio (15 x 10 3/4"). 15 plates. Original stiff brown board portfolio with gilt embossed lettering in brown, gilt-framed ruling on brown paper plate laid to cover. Inside cover with table of content, listing photogravures of eight performances: L'Oiseau de Feu (3), Thamar (2), Le Spectre de la Rose (2), Le Pavillon D'Armide (2), Le Carnaval (1), Prince Igor (2), Cleopatra (1), and Sheherazade (1). This copy is lacking the preliminary text leaves.
The beautiful and striking photogravures captured the emotive expressions of the dancers as one might have imagined while watching a silent movie. They vary slightly in size, e.g 8 14 x 4 1/2" to 7 1/4 x 6," and includes portraits of the dancers in character. Hoppe secured the exclusive rights to photograph the leading members of the Russian Ballet at his studio, when they first visited London in June 1911.
The portfolio somewhat damaged with some chips at foredge corners, one and a half inch chips at head and tail of spine, with flaps reinforced by binding glue. Photogravures in near fine condition with few showing light foxing in margins of white plates as loosed in original portfolios as issued. Fair to fine condition. Item #53194
Price: $1,500.00