Illustration for the epic "Ilya Muromets and Svyatogor" 1940

This illustration by Ivan Bilibin, created in 1940, depicts a scene from the epic "Ilya Muromets and Svyatogor". Svyatogor, a giant hero, is riding a massive horse, and his size is emphasized by the small stature of Ilya Muromets, a fellow hero, in the foreground. Bilibin’s use of bright colors and intricate details, characteristic of the Russian folk style, captures the fantastical nature of the story. This work is a testament to the continued popularity of the epic tale and Bilibin's mastery of illustrative art.