[Ballets Russes] Diaghilev, Sergei. (1872-1929). Original Portrait Painting. Evocative original French portrait in ink and gouache of the important ballet impresario and founder of the Ballets Russes, shown here seated at the keyboard. Signed and inscribed by the artist lower right in pencil "Avec ses plus respectueux hommage" and dated 1914. 24 x 17 cm.

We have been unable to conclusively identify the very capable artist of this work, whose name appears to be either Givré or Pivré. Diaghilev’s 1914 Ballets Russes season at Paris Opera included Coq d’or and the Legend of Joseph with Strauss conducting.