Alexandre Nikolaevich BENOIS 1870 — 1960Олександр Миколаєвич БЕНУА • Александр Николаевич БEНУАBorn in St Petersburg, Russia of French and Italian descent, son of Nikolai Benois, architect to the Imperial Palaces in Peterhof. Painter, mainly in watercolour, art historian and stage designer. Briefly attended a part-time course in stage design at the Academy of Arts 1887, but otherwise self-taught as an artist. Studied law at the University of St Petersburg 1890-4, and while still a student formed a circle with a number of friends, including Diaghilev, Somov and Bakst, for the purpose of studying art. This later developed into the World of Art (Mir Iskusstva), which held exhibitions and published a journal of the same name, 1898-1904. The World of Art circle was responsible for the revival of Russian book illustration, astonishing theatrical productions, rekindling of interest in the beauty of St. Petersburg, and the study of Russian art of the eighteenth and the nineteenth century. Benois also collaborated with the Moscow Art Theater (MKhAT), where he directed and designed plays by Moliere, Goldoni, and Pushkin. Travelled widely in Europe and was influenced by the art of the eighteenth century. Became very active and influential as a stage designer, including sets and costumes for Le Pavillon d`Armide 1907 and (for Diaghilev) Petrushka 1911, and Le Rossignol 1914. Edited the periodical “Khudozhestvennye sokrovishcha Rossii” (Art Treasures of Russia) 1901-3, and wrote several books on art and volumes of memoirs. Curator of Painting at the Hermitage 1918-1925. Moved to Paris in 1926, where he continued to paint and design for the theatre, involved in staging about 200 operas and ballets in many cities of Europe and America.. Died in Paris. |
