Illustration for a poem "Walls of Cain" by Vyacheslav Ivanov 1906

Ivan Bilibin, a prominent figure in the Russian Art Nouveau movement, created this black and white illustration in 1906 to accompany the poem "Walls of Cain" by Vyacheslav Ivanov. This dramatic composition depicts a fortified gateway, with the use of thick lines and a strong sense of perspective, leading the viewer's eye towards the imposing entrance. The artwork highlights Bilibin’s signature style, characterized by its graphic quality and the use of stylized motifs, often drawn from Russian folklore.