1. The Russian artist and critic Alexandre Benois (1870-1960) is believed to have exerted a seminal influence on the modern ballet and stage design as a designer for the Ballets Russes. This 14 x 10in (35 x 25cm) costume design for the ballet company in 1928 more than doubled its guide at Duke’s of Dorchester on September 6.
2. Little is known about Alfredo Galli (19th-20th century), the painter of this 14½ x 10½in (37 x 27cm) oil portrait that sold above estimate at Clevedon Salerooms in Bristol on September 6. However, he did paint members of the nobility of Europe, including noted society beauty Princess of Pless and her family.
3. A pupil of the great Yorkshire painter John Atkinson Grimshaw, Walter Meegan (1880-1910) followed in his tutor’s footsteps painting in a similar style and theme. This 19 x 23in (49 x 59cm) oil of a moonlit coastal town scene tipped over estimate at Cuttlestones Auctioneers on September 6.
