The artwork titled “Costume design (Nijinsky) for artist’s ballet ‘Orphée of the Quat-z-arts'” was created by the artist Florine Stettheimer in 1912. This piece, executed in gouache, is associated with the Cubism and Expressionism art movements and is housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork portrays an elaborate costume design likely intended for the ballet, featuring a figure adorned in a theatrical outfit. The central figure is depicted holding a lyre, a musical instrument reminiscent of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus, which aligns with the artwork’s title. The figure is dressed in a short tunic with crossed ribbons wrapping around the legs and floral garlands draped over the body, emphasizing a sense of both historical and fantastical aesthetics. The background is painted in deep, rich colors, creating a dramatic contrast with the lighter tones of the costume and figure, thereby highlighting the central character’s presence and the intricate details of the design.
