Bakst’s 'La Péri' was commissioned by Diaghilev for the Ballets Russes in 1911. Paul Dukas composed the ballet, insisting that his mistress Natacha Trouhanova (whose name appears in the top right corner of the work) should be its female principal, however, the production was cancelled because Diaghilev did not consider Trouhanova skilled enough to partner Nijinsky. It was also remarked that her more robust figure little resembled Bakst's delicate Persian elf. Bakst’s considered use of line evokes a sense of rhythmic movement enhanced by the delightful exoticism of his decorative costume.