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Christian Bérard — Dancer Resting
Christian Bérard — Dancer Resting
Christian Bérard — Dancer Resting
Christian Bérard

Dancer Resting

1930

This delicate pen and ink drawing depicts a slender figure suspended against a spare, minimalist background. The artist renders the subject with economical linework, capturing both anatomical precision and a sense of languorous grace through subtle modulations of line weight and wash. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the figure's elongated form as it hangs in an ambiguous spatial environment suggested only by schematic floor and wall lines. Bérard's draftsmanship reflects the refined aesthetic vocabulary of early twentieth century modernism, particularly the influence of Cocteau's circle and the decorative sophistication of the Ballets Russes era. The work exemplifies the artist's characteristic synthesis of classical figuration with avant garde compositional restraint.

Medium
brush and ink wash on paper
Overall

Notes

A Ménage with George Platt Lynes, Rago Auctions, 2026-05-01. Lot 140.

🔨 Auction Lot

A Ménage with George Platt Lynes

May 1, 2026

Estimate: $800$1,200

Sold: $4,096

Lot 140

For Sale

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About this work

Christian Bérard, Dancer Resting, 1930

This delicate pen and ink drawing depicts a slender figure suspended against a spare, minimalist background. The artist renders the subject with economical linework, capturing both anatomical precision and a sense of languorous grace through subtle modulations of line weight and wash. The composition is vertically oriented, emphasizing the figure's elongated form as it hangs in an ambiguous spatial environment suggested only by schematic floor and wall lines. Bérard's draftsmanship reflects the refined aesthetic vocabulary of early twentieth century modernism, particularly the influence of Cocteau's circle and the decorative sophistication of the Ballets Russes era. The work exemplifies the artist's characteristic synthesis of classical figuration with avant garde compositional restraint.

Medium
brush and ink wash on paper
Dimensions
overall: 36.5 x 29.5 cm
Year
1930
Seen at
Rago Auctions, Lambertville, United States

Related themes

Ink Wash, Pen and Ink, Avant Garde, Expressive Drawing, Paper Work, Suspended Figure, Spare Composition, Minimalist Space, Early Twentieth Century, Balletic Movement, Dance, Male Nude, Figural Study, Gestural Line, Modernism, Theater Design, Monochromatic, Figure Drawing, Graceful Pose, Anatomical Study