Princess in the prison tower. Illustration of the Russian fairy tale "The White duck" 1902

Ivan Bilibin created this illustration for the Russian fairy tale "The White Duck," and what strikes me most is the way he uses line. It’s not just about outlining shapes; the lines have a life of their own, almost like a dance. Look at the tower itself. The wood grain is rendered with such care, each stroke adding depth and texture. You can almost feel the rough surface under your fingertips. Then there are the details: the decorative elements around the windows, the tiny figures perched on the roof. Each one is rendered with meticulous precision, yet there's a sense of playfulness, too. And that border! It's like a frame within a frame, adding another layer of visual interest. It reminds me a bit of Gustav Klimt, in how he used ornament and pattern to create a sense of richness and depth. But Bilibin’s got his own thing going on, a real sense of magic and wonder. It's a reminder that art is always a conversation, an ongoing exchange of ideas across time and space.