VASLAV NIJINSKY`S SIGNED BALLET SLIPPER, 1914, Ballet slipper signed W. Nijinsky and dated 1914, the cream calf body over a stiff leather sole, ca. 235 mm (9 1/4 in.) in length; some light stains at the heel, ornament removed from the toe. Housed in a custom made linen folding case with recessed compartment.

PROVENANCE
Collection of David C. Copley, noted art collector, publishing heir, and philantropist
Sotheby`s, Fine Books and Manuscripts, including Americana, New York, June 11, 2013, Lot 135
Acquired by the present owner at the above sale.

LOT NOTES
1914 was a tumultous year for Vaslav Nijinsky. His professional and romantic relationship with Sergei Diaghilev had ended, due to his marriage in South America on September 10, 2013 to Romola de Pulszky, which infuriated Diaghilev. Upon Nijinsky's return to Paris, he was telegrammed that he was no longer employed by the Ballets Russes. This led to him forming his own company, which was frought with logisitical problems and lack of support, and left Nijinsky with a considerable financial loss. By this time, however, Romola was pregnant, and Nijinsky along with his wife returned to Vienna, where their daughter Kyra was born on June 19th, 1914. The start of World War I meant that Nijinsky would be considered an enemy Russian citizen, and he was placed under house arrest in Vienna until 1916. Only with Diaghilev's help, along with intercessions by numerous European Kings and Emperors, was Nijinsky finally allowed to leave in order to dance with the Ballets Russes again.