Jun 2, 2025
Modeled by Paul Scheurich
c. 1913-1923
Three Meissen Porcelain figures from the Russian Ballet Karneval
9¼ in (23.5 cm.); 10 7/8 in. (27.5 cm.); 7¼ in (18.4 cm.), respectively
The Russian Ballet series was introduced at the Meissen Manufactory in early January and February of 1912. Scheurich modeled modeled five figures on characters in the ballet Karneval created by Serge Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, choreographed by Mikhail Fokine, with music by Robert Schumann. Staged in Berlin in 1910, 1912, and 1914 as a one-act ballet at the Theatre des Westerns, the performance featured new sets and costumes by Leon Bakst. Carnival quickly became a beloved favorite resulting in its choice for recreation by Scheurich at Meissen.