Portrait of Léonide Massine

Massine (1895-1979) was chosen when still in his teens by Diaghilev to become the leading male dancer and choreographer of the Ballets Russes in the company's middle period (1914-21). Early in his career, Massine collaborated with Jean Cocteau, Erik Satie and Pablo Picasso on the 1917 ballet Parade. Matisse's portrait of Massine was drawn during the preparation of Massine' s ballet Le chant du Rossignol, for which Matisse designed the sets and costumes.