Mikula Selyaninovich. Illustration for the book "Russian epic heroes" 1895

Andrei Ryabushkin created this illustration for the book "Russian Epic Heroes". Ryabushkin was part of a movement that sought to revive and celebrate Russian national identity through art. Here we see Mikula Selyaninovich, a figure from Russian folklore, embodying the strength and spirit of the peasantry. Ryabushkin’s choice to depict a heroic figure as a peasant elevates the common person, challenging traditional aristocratic ideals. The image resonates with a sense of national pride, emphasizing the virtues of hard work and connection to the land. But how does the heroic peasant intersect with notions of gender and power? Mikula, though strong, is also a figure tied to the earth, a provider. In Ryabushkin's depiction, we can reflect on the complex roles assigned to men, both in folklore and society. Ryabushkin's image asks us to consider the stories we tell about who we are as a nation, and whose voices are included.