Description:

Rudolf Nureyev & Serge Lifar Signed Photos, 4 Pcs

An exquisite group of ballet autographs consisting of two photographs signed by Ukrainian male ballet dancer and choreographer Serge Lifar (1905-1986); and two photographs signed by Soviet male ballet dancer and choreographer Rudolf Nureyev (1938-1993). All of the pieces are matted and framed behind glass; none have been examined out of their frames. Expected wear to the frames including scuffs and scattered surface loss, else near fine.

The lot is comprised of:

1. A silver gelatin photograph showing Rudolf Nureyev in the title role of the Faun in Vaslav Nijinsky's ballet, "L'Après-midi d'un faun." Boldly signed by Nureyev as "Rudolf Nureyev" in purple ink at lower right, partly on the image and partly in the bottom margin. The signature measures approximately 4.625" x 1.625" alone. Isolated minor silvering, else near fine. The sight size of the photograph is 6.625" x 9.375." The frame measures 12.25" x 14.75" x 1" overall.

"L'Après-midi d'un faun" debuted in Paris in May 1912 under the auspices of the Ballets Russes. Inspired by a poem by Stéphane Mallarmé, the ballet was choreographed by Vaslav Nijinsky and accompanied by music composed by Claude Debussy. The Faun's costume, developed by Nijinsky and adopted by subsequent male ballet dancers who reprised the controversial role, is instantly recognizable because of the piebald body suit simulating animal hide, and the gold-horned headdress. The 12-minute-long ballet depicts a very lascivious Faun cavorting with nymphs.

2. A semi-glossy black and white photograph of Nureyev, his face closely cropped face and in profile, signed by him as "Rudolf Nureyev" along the bottom margin. Minor wrinkles to the lower left corner, else near fine. The sight size of the photograph is 3.5" x 5" while the overall frame measures 9" x 10.75" x 1."

Nureyev, born in Siberia in the Soviet Union, was of Tatar Muslim heritage. He defected to the West in 1961. Nureyev served as the director and chief choreographer at the Paris Opéra Ballet from 1983-1989.

3. A glossy black and white photograph depicting Serge Lifar in an unknown ballet role, signed and dated by him as "Serge Lifar / 1938" at lower right. Signed in the negative as "Lipnitzki / Paris," indicating the photo studio of Jewish Ukrainian expatriate arts photographer Boris Lipnitzki (1887-1971). Expected wear including scattered wrinkles, a paper clip indentation in the upper right corner, and possible water exposure along the top, else near fine. The sight size of the photo is 6.25" x 9.375" while the overall frame size is 12.125" x 15.125" x .875."

4. A glossy black and white photograph showing Serge Lifar dressed in a Renaissance period costume, signed, inscribed, and dated by him as: "A [sic] Gaston Troubert / grand et fidele [sic] / ami de la Danse / Serge Lifar / 1950" [trans: "To Gaston Troubert / great and faithful / friend of Dance / Serge Lifar / 1950"] along the top and near the bottom. Signed in stone as "Lipnitzki / Paris" in the lower left corner. The ink remains dark and bold. Expected surface wear, else near fine. The sight size of the photo is 7" x 9.25." The overall frame size is 12.75" x 15" x 1."

Serge Lifar, a brilliant, young male ballet dancer considered the heir of Vaslav Nijinsky at the Ballets Russes, served as the director of the Paris Opéra Ballet for nearly 30 years, from 1929-1958.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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June 28, 2023 11:00 AM EDT
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