Description: Alexander Nikolaevich Benois (Russian, 1870 - 1960), set design for The Nutcracker (1940, Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo), mixed media including gouache on paper, depicts four ballerina dancing on winter set with snow-covered evergreen trees, inscribed lower left, "Alexandre Benois Mai 1940 Paris", framed, wear consistent with age and use, sight size: 12" h. x 19" w. [PROVENANCE: From the estate of Irina Pabst, designer, artist and philanthropist, and daughter of Sergei Denham. Denham was one of the individuals that rallied investors (as World Art Inc.) to rescue the Ballet Russe with World Art purchasing the ballet company in 1937, which later became Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. After Rene Blum (co-founder), died in Auschwitz, Sergei Denham became the ballet organization's president and company director until Denham's death in 1970.]