Bacchanale Set, 1939
Costumes for Bacchanale, 1939, Photograph by Horst P. Horst
Venus Costume for Bacchanale, 1939
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Although he never collaborated directly with monsieur Diaghilev at the Ballet Russes, Salvador Dali was a longtime admirer of dance. In 1939 the Spanish artist employed his surrealist sensibilities in the set and costume designs for the Ballet, Bacchanale. Dali first produced a painting depicting the set’s commanding Swan backdrop and melting landscape, and created tulle costumes as well as a Venus ensemble, which gave the illusion that the female dancer was emerging from a seashell entirely nude.