Illustration for the Russian Fairy Story "Maria Morevna" 1900

This is an illustration for the Russian fairy story "Maria Morevna" by Ivan Bilibin. Bilibin was part of the Mir iskusstva movement that sought to revive traditional Russian folk art. His illustrations became iconic representations of Russian identity, at a time when the country was undergoing massive social and political upheaval. The illustration brings us into a world steeped in folklore and fantasy, where the hero encounters a magical bird. There’s a melancholic scene of a man leaning on his staff, his head bowed, engaged in a silent exchange with a fantastic creature. The bird is rendered in blues, pinks, and golds. The artist’s use of vibrant colors and intricate linework creates a dreamlike atmosphere. Bilibin was interested in the intersection of art and national identity. His illustrations offered a vision of Russian culture rooted in its pre-industrial past. Bilibin offers us a window into a world where the boundaries between the human and the mythical blur. It encourages us to reflect on the stories we tell ourselves and how they shape our understanding of who we are.