Illustration for the Tale of Prince Ivan, The Firebird and the Grey Wolf 1899

This illustration from 1899 by Ivan Bilibin depicts a scene from the Russian folk tale "The Tale of Prince Ivan, the Firebird and the Grey Wolf". The image is characterized by the distinct style of the artist, known as the "Russian Style", which incorporates elements of folk art and traditional motifs. The composition features a central group of characters, including the titular Prince Ivan, interacting with a grey wolf. The artist’s use of bold colors and flat planes, reminiscent of traditional Russian icons, emphasizes the narrative and creates a sense of theatrical drama. This illustration exemplifies Bilibin's significant contributions to the revival of Russian folklore through art.