Illustration for the fairy tale "Vasilisa the Beautiful" 1900

Ivan Bilibin created this illustration for the Russian fairy tale "Vasilisa the Beautiful" using watercolor, gouache, ink, and gold paint. His work taps into deeper social and cultural themes present in early 20th century Russia. Bilibin created a visual language rooted in Russian folk art, using intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and stylized figures. The image depicts a scene of social hierarchy, with the Tsar and his court positioned prominently, while an old woman bows before them. The old woman has come to sell the Tsar a beautiful cloth made by Vasilisa. This tale emphasizes the value of women's labor, their skill with textiles being of particular value. Bilibin's illustrations brought these stories to a wider audience, reinforcing their cultural significance. By studying Bilibin's illustrations in the context of the fairy tales they accompany and through the lens of Russia's socio-political landscape, we can further understand the role of folk art in shaping national identity.