Masterpieces of Russian Stage Design

“Four fluent, readable essays will offer much to higher level students of Russia’s history, theater, culture, and art… The artwork is presented beautifully: the book features over 200 full-page brightly colored illustrations. Verdict Academic libraries should consider this worthy title for their art and/or Russian studies collections” Library Journal
“Anyone interested in the theater will enjoy leafing through this book, but the text also makes it a resource for specialists in the history of Russian stage design.” CHOICE


Masterpieces Russian Stage Design 1880-1930 examines the Lobanov-Rostovsky collection of stage design, in turn outlining the history of modern Russian art: one of the most important interludes within the cultural renaissance of the early twentieth century. Unique in size, scope, and composition, the collection is unequalled; artists include celebrities such as Bakst, Benois, Goncharova, Larionov, Malevich, Popova, Rodchenko, and Tatlin as well as less familiar names such as Anisfeld, Lissim, Remisoff, and Soudeikine. This volume (the first of a two-part set) includes over 200 color illustrations of selected designs as well as an introduction, interview, indices (to artists, theater companies, and primary productions), a glossary of terms, and a comprehensive bibliography for the visual and performing arts in Russia. From Neo-Nationalism and Symbolism through Cubo-Futurism and Suprematism to Constructivism and Socialist Realism, Masterpieces of Russian Stage Design guides the reader through the movements, styles, productions and projects that attracted many of Russia s early twentieth-century artists to the stage. The companion volume, Encyclopedia of Russian Stage Design ISBN 9781851497195 (to be published in 2013), is the catalogue raisonné of the Lobanov-Rostovsky collection.