This lovely and evocative image promotes a performance of the Léonidoff Ballet, named for its founder, Ileana Leonidoff. Born in Russia, she made her career in Italy. From 1920 to 1924, her troupe toured around Europe to great acclaim. She then became the official dancer of the Mussolini regime, a position that directly conflated with the fascist regime’s ideals of womanhood—rather than cooking and tending to the home, she performed bravely on stage. In this colorful rendering by an unknown artist, doves swoop down over the ornate costumes, which are delectably reflected in the ground below. Rare!
H. Chachoin, Paris
literature: PAI-XCIII, 123