Illustration for the Russian Fairy Story "Maria Morevna" 1900

This illustration for the Russian fairy tale "Maria Morevna" was created by Ivan Bilibin sometime in the early 20th century. A tranquil composition, it features a full moon suspended above a still body of water, reflecting a shimmering vertical line of light. The silhouetted tree to the right acts as a counterpoint, grounding the scene with its dark, intricate form. Bilibin masterfully employs a flattened perspective, typical of traditional icon painting. The subdued color palette and meticulous linework enhance the dreamy, ethereal quality, drawing us into the mystical realm of Russian folklore. The reflection in the water disrupts the stability of the scene, challenging our perception of space and reality. It destabilizes established meanings and suggests a deeper, perhaps subconscious, layer beneath the surface of the visible world. This visual representation of balance and reflection functions not just as an aesthetic choice, but as an entry point into the rich cultural and philosophical underpinnings of Russian fairy tales, where illusion and reality intertwine.