IDA Rubinstein and Diaghilev

inimitable panache that soon came to characterize all aspects of her public life. She decided to mount her own production of Sophocles's Antigone with herself in the title role; and she approached Leon Bakst to design sets and costumes for her. Bakst was deeply affected by Rubinstein's strange beauty, her elongated lines, her almost androgynous slimness, her flowing dark hair and her almondshaped eyes. He convinced her that, to begin with, she should attempt only one act of the play and that she should give a private performance, rather than becoming involved with the commercial theatre. Rubinstein agreed and two months later their Antigone, with lavish sets and costumes, was presented before an invited audience. Ida Rubinstein's success was immediate and decisive.' Years

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