Illustration for the epic "Duke Stepanovich" 

Ivan Bilibin made this illustration for the epic “Duke Stepanovich” in 1941 using ink on paper. The image depicts a scene from a Russian epic tale, reflecting a surge of nationalist sentiment during a tumultuous period in Russian history. The intricate linework and stylized forms draw from traditional Russian folk art, part of a broader artistic movement that sought to revive and celebrate pre-industrial Russian culture. The figure of Duke Stepanovich embodies the heroic ideal, and the fantastical elements such as the dragon-like creature, are rooted in Russian folklore. Bilibin worked within established cultural institutions, designing for theater and illustrating folk tales, and his art sought to reinforce national identity. Understanding this artwork requires an examination of Russian cultural history, folklore, and the institutional contexts that shaped Bilibin's artistic production. Scholarly resources like archives of Russian folk art, historical accounts of cultural movements, and biographical studies of Bilibin can all contribute to a deeper understanding of this image.