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ALS in French, one page, 8.25 x 10.5, May 1, 1938. Letter to an unidentified recipient. In full (translated): 'Here included are five drawings of the costumes for the Shostakovich Symphony. These costumes are made in the same colors as the decor. They consist of white, black, blue, yellow and red (pink) jerseys highlighted by shining satin or wax applications (preferably waxed) in the same color.' Strips of toning along the top and right edge (touching the final letter of the signature), a few small edge creases and wrinkles, and some scattered light foxing, otherwise fine condition.
Matisse designed costumes for the Shostakovich Symphony, featured as part of dancer Leonide Massine’s ballet, Rouge et Noir, and debuting in 1939 in Monte Carlo. Matisse interpreted the symphony in terms of five colors that Massine had assigned allegorical significance: white (man and woman), yellow (wickedness), blue (nature), red (materialism), and black (violence). 'These costumes are made in the same colors as the decor. They consist of white, black, blue, yellow and red (pink) jerseys highlighted by shining satin or wax applications,' Matisse states in his letter. The designs created an effect that was said to create 'extraordinarily effective’ scenes as the dancers intertwined to make ‘wonderful blocks of color like an abstract painting set in motion.’ Supremely important content as Matisse—well-known for his use of color to convey emotional expression—details one such creation. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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