Classic Jean Cocteau Poster – 1913 Ballets Russes Nijinsky Art Print
This Jean Cocteau poster reproduces the iconic 1913 illustration of Nijinsky as the Faun. High-quality Leon Bakst Nijinsky print detailing on museum-grade matte paper for a refined aesthetic.
What You Will Receive
- Made to order, museum-grade art print. Frame not included unless stated.
- Printed on 200 GSM premium matte paper for crisp detail and zero glare.
- Archival giclée inks that resist fading for decades.
- Multiple size options. Use the selector above.
- Protective packaging: rigid mailer or sturdy tube.
Print Quality
Every print is produced using state-of-the-art giclée technology on heavyweight 200 GSM matte paper. The non-reflective surface eliminates glare while the archival pigment inks deliver rich, accurate colours designed to last a lifetime.
Size Guide
For walls above furniture, choose a print roughly two thirds to three quarters the width of the piece below it. Smaller sizes up to 11×14 inches suit gallery walls. Larger formats of 18×24 inches and above create striking focal points.
Verified Customer Reviews
Shipping
Every order is printed on demand. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, then ships free worldwide with tracking.
| Region | Processing | Delivery | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 3–5 days | 2–6 days | 5–11 days |
| Canada | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| UK & Europe | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 8–15 days |
| Australia & NZ | 3–5 days | 8–15 days | 11–20 days |
| Asia | 3–5 days | 7–15 days | 10–20 days |
| Rest of world | 3–5 days | 10–20 days | 13–25 days |
📦 Packaging
Prints up to 12×18 inches ship flat in rigid cardboard mailers with backing board. Larger prints are rolled in sturdy tubes with protective end caps. Every package includes moisture barriers and Handle With Care labels.
Returns and Replacements
- 30-day return window from delivery. No questions asked.
- Report damage within 48 hours with photos for a free replacement.
- Full refunds for eligible returns in original condition.
- Cancel before production starts for a complete refund.
- Return shipping covered for defective or incorrect items.
Need help? info.merchfuse@gmail.com
How to Care for Your Print
Follow these steps to keep your print looking gallery fresh for decades.
Handling
Allow rolled prints to relax flat for 30 to 60 minutes. Handle by the edges with clean, dry hands and avoid touching the printed surface.
Placement
Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and high humidity areas. North-facing walls receive less UV. Use LED or incandescent lighting instead of fluorescent.
Framing
Use acid-free mats and UV protective glass or acrylic for maximum longevity. Leave a small gap between print and glazing for airflow.
Cleaning
Dust framed glass with a soft cloth. Spray the cloth, not the glass. For unframed prints, use a dry microfibre cloth and never apply liquids to the surface.
Climate
Keep temperature at 18–24 °C and humidity at 40–60%. Avoid attics, basements and garages where conditions swing widely.
Storage
Store flat in acid-free folders, interleaved with tissue paper, in a cool dark place. Never fold. Check stored prints annually.
⚠️ Avoid
- Prolonged direct sunlight or fluorescent lighting.
- Bathrooms, kitchens and areas above heat sources.
- Tape, adhesives or liquids applied directly to the print.
- Rolling with the image facing inward as this can crack the ink layer.
- Extreme or rapid temperature and humidity changes.
📊 Expected Lifespan
- 100+ years when framed with UV protective glazing and indirect light.
- 50–75 years when framed with standard glass and indirect light.
- 25–50 years when stored correctly in darkness.
This high-quality Jean Cocteau poster captures a pivotal moment in the history of the Ballets Russes and the French avant-garde. Originally produced in 1913, this illustration depicts the legendary dancer Vaslav Nijinsky in his role for ‘L’Après-midi d’un faune’ (Afternoon of a Faun). The artwork represents a unique collaboration of aesthetic visionaries, blending the theatrical costume concepts of Leon Bakst with the fluid, modern line work that defined Cocteau’s early career. This print serves as a historical document of the ‘Saison Russe’ in Paris, where traditional performance boundaries were shattered by radical choreography and striking visual design.
The Cultural Impact of the Jean Cocteau Poster
The significance of this Jean Cocteau poster extends beyond its visual appeal; it symbolizes a revolution in early 20th-century performance art. When Nijinsky first performed the Faun, the production was met with both acclaim and controversy due to its primitive, stylized movements and departure from classical ballet techniques. Cocteau, working closely with figures like Arsène Alexandre, sought to immortalize this energy through graphic illustration. The figure in the print is rendered with earthy, ochre tones and organic spotting, mirroring the animalistic nature of the character, while the surrounding blue fabric provides a sharp, rhythmic contrast with its green spiral motifs.
Technical Specifications and Printing Quality
To ensure the integrity of the original 1913 artwork, every Jean Cocteau poster we produce adheres to strict archival standards. We utilize 200 GSM museum-grade matte paper, which provides a heavy, premium feel and prevents glare when displayed under gallery lighting. Our printing process employs professional large-format printers and fade-resistant archival inks, ensuring that the deep blues and subtle skin tones remain vivid for decades. This specific Leon Bakst Nijinsky print variation is designed for those who appreciate the intersection of dance history and modernist illustration. The composition is centered with intentional white space, reflecting the typography-heavy style of vintage exhibition advertisements.
Integrating French Avant-Garde Decor
Incorporating this Jean Cocteau poster into a modern interior provides an immediate connection to the Parisian Golden Age. The color palette of deep cobalt, muted cream, and warm sienna allows it to function as a focal point in various design schemes, from minimalist mid-century modern to more eclectic, maximalist spaces. As a piece of French avant-garde decor, it pairs exceptionally well with dark wood furniture, brass accents, and other 1913 vintage exhibition poster reproductions. Whether you are a ballet enthusiast, an art historian, or a collector of modernist graphics, this print offers a sophisticated window into a transformative era of European culture.
- Paper: 200 GSM museum-grade matte finish.
- Inks: Fade-resistant archival, professional large-format.
- Framing: Ships unframed, standard frame-ready sizes.
- Digital Option: 300 DPI high-resolution files available for instant download.
- Authentic reproduction of the 1913 Ballets Russes promotional aesthetic.
Each Jean Cocteau poster is handled with precision to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Our commitment to archival quality means that the fine lines of the original drawing are preserved with absolute clarity, from the intricate patterns on the scarf to the subtle muscular definition of the subject. Displaying this Jean Cocteau poster in your study, living room, or studio honors the legacy of one of the most versatile artists of the 20th century while adding a layer of historical depth to your walls. Order your print today and secure a piece of the Ballets Russes wall art movement for your personal collection.
This is fan-inspired artwork and an original artistic interpretation. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially licensed by any studio, production company, label, artist, photographer, or rights holder.
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
Price range: $3.90 through $59.90
