Swan Lake, 1958
Romanian Film Poster
27¼ x 19⅝ in. (69 x 50 cm.)
Backed on linen
Sold
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Evoking the beauty and grace of the Bolshoi ballerinas with a dramatic depiction of an elegant white swan beneath the malevolent shadow of a black swan, this enchanting poster was...
Evoking the beauty and grace of the Bolshoi ballerinas with a dramatic depiction of an elegant white swan beneath the malevolent shadow of a black swan, this enchanting poster was issued for the Romanian release of Lebedinoe Ozero or Swan Lake, the 1957 Russian live ballet recording of Asaf Messerer’s staging of the world’s best loved ballet, filmed in colour with the full company and orchestra of Moscow’s famed Bolshoi Ballet. Messerer’s four-act production of Tschaikowsky’s Swan Lake was notable as the first Bolshoi company ballet to tour the west, showcasing some of the greatest dancers of the 20th century. Directed by Zoya Tulubyeva, the production starred renowned prima ballerina Maya Plisetskaya in the dual role of Odette (the White Swan) and Odile (the Black Swan), with Nicolai Fadeyechev in the role of Prince Siegfried. The radiant yellow background of the poster echoes the end of Messerer’s production, in which Odette ascends towards the glow of the sunrise in the spirit of Soviet optimism. In a rave review of the film, the New York Times critic commented: "This Swan Lake is a treasure." The artwork was signed in the print "GT" by an unknown artist.
Condition
Excellent (A-)
Conservation backed on linen with no restoration. Backing has smoothed one vertical and one horizontal fold, diminishing negligible wear to the edges and crossfold. Very faint ghosting (ink transfer) to white ground in lower portion. Tiny brown spot to right of ballerina. Image and colours otherwise excellent.