'Ballet' 1936

Laura Knight (1877 - 1970)

Oil on canvas
63.8 x 76.5cm

In 1919 Knight obtained permission to work backstage at the Diaghilev Ballet, which had London seasons that year and in 1920, 1921 and every year between 1924 and 1928. This painting is based on a signed but undated drawing inscribed 'Diaghilev Ballet Back Stage', presumably made during one of her sketching sessions at that ballet.

When exhibited in the 1936 Royal Academy summer exhibition, Knight's paintings were generally regarded as the best in the show. Many compared 'Ballet' with similar subjects by Degas.

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