Leon Nikolaievitch Bakst (1866 - 1924) Russian Pencil on Paper. Dated 1921 Measure 9 3/4"in H x 7 3/4"in W and 14 1/2"in H x 12 1/2"in W with frame Known for: Portrait and allegorical painting, stage design. Biography: An internationally known stage designer for theaters in Russia and France, he began his career as an illustrator for magazines in St. Petersburg. Leon Bakst was born as Lev Samoilovich Rosenberg on May 10, 1866, in Grodno, Belarus, Russia. He went to school in St. Petersburg, and continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts, also St. Petersburg. Starting out his artistic career as a magazine illustrator, he expanded his view after meeting Aleksandr Benois. Traveling through Europe, he met other artists, and upon his return to St. Petersburg, Bakst became known for his book designs and portraits. In 1909, he began his collaboration with Diaghilev, which resulted in the founding of the Ballets Russes, and Bakst serving as the artistic director. Bakst gained international fame with his stage designs, most notable his costumes for Diaghilev's Sheherazade (1910) and L'Apres-midi d'un Faune. In 1912, he settled in Paris, France, where he died on December 27, 1924.