Illustration to 'Three Fables of Krylov' 1911

Heorhiy Narbut created this illustration for Ivan Krylov's fables using ink on paper. Krylov's fables, popular in early 19th-century Russia, often satirized social and political issues through animal characters. This illustration, made in the early 20th century, continues that tradition through visual metaphor. The stark black-and-white silhouette style is reminiscent of early printmaking, linking the artwork to a history of accessible, mass-produced imagery. The angel figure showering a peasant with seeds from her dress implies themes of fate and fortune but also points to the social and economic disparities of Russian society, issues which underpinned revolutionary politics in the early 20th century. Narbut's choice of such a seemingly simple style invites us to consider what this image is communicating about social roles. Researching Krylov’s fables, the history of Russian printmaking, and early 20th-century class dynamics will give us a richer understanding of this illustration’s role in shaping social discourse.