Description: Eugene Gustavovitch Berman (Russian, 1899 - 1972), set design for "Danses Concertantes", watercolor and gouache, 1944, depicts stage set with center banner, harp, cello, etc., signed and dated at base of pedestal: "E. B. 44", wear consistent with age and use including toning, tear at upper left corner of paper, sight size: 8 1/2" h. x 12" w. [Note: Berman designed the set and costumes for Danses Concertantes, which is written on the sheet. The Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo premiered the ballet on September 10, 1944. Igor Stravinsky wrote the score which was commissioned by Werner Janssen of Los Angeles for his own orchestra in 1941 and conducted by Stravinsky at its premier. Although Danses Concertantes was not composed for ballet, Balanchine mounted it first for the Ballet Russe de Monte-Carlo at New York's City Center Theater.] [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.]