This sketch is a study for
two costumes designed by Marie Laurencin for the one-act ballet Les Biches (the Does), staged in January
1924 at the Ballets Russes of Monte Carlo and, upon its success, presented in
Paris. Laurencin received the commission (her first undertaking into theater) from
Sergei Diaghilev, the company’s impresario, upon a recommendation from the
composer Francis Poulenc, author of the score of the ballet. Characterized by a
sense of abstraction, ethereal femininity, and Sapphic undertones, Laurencin designs
for Les Biches included the curtain,
stage and costumes (see the costume for the Girl
in Blue, in FAMSF’s collection, gift of Alan Baer, inv. 1888.177.2). In the
same year, Laurencin’s designs were also published in a book accompanied by
texts from Jean Cocteau, author of the ballet’s libretto (see inv. 2022.6.1). (F.R.)