61 1/2x46 1/2 inches, 156 1/4x118 cm. H. Chachoin, Paris. Condition B / B+: losses, creases and abrasions along vertical and horizontal folds and in margins and image; slight foxing in margins and image; pin holes in corners.
The Swedish Ballet, founded by Rolf de Mare with Jean Borlin as the star, had a short but glorious career, performing from 1920-1925. This poster is for their most famous ballet, La Creation du Monde (The Creation of the World), staged in 1923. The story, written by Blaise Cendrars, revolved around African creation myths. The music by Darius Milhaud was infused with jazz-inspired overtones and the costumes and sets were designed by Fernand Leger. The poster shows three gods vertically represented in the center with their creation, man and woman, in the background, all floating above wave-like patterns. Eldsten is the Swedish translation of Feuerstein, who was a Czech artist (primarily engaged in architecture and stage design) who was staying in Paris for a few months before moving to Japan. Plakat Kunst p. 95.
