Cover for the book "Russia" 1923

Boris Kustodiev made this book cover for "Russia" sometime around 1923, using what looks like a woodcut technique. I really love how the sharp contrast creates a world of bold shapes and textures. Look at how the dense, parallel lines create shadows and depth, especially in the landscape with the buildings on the horizon. The way the artist uses these lines – thick in some spots, thin in others – gives the whole piece a really tactile feel. It's not just a picture, it feels like you could run your fingers over it and feel the grooves. The silhouettes of the dancing figures in the foreground and the townscape in the back are really charming, giving the image a feeling of depth, and a sense of Russian folk art that makes me think of Matisse's paper cut-outs. It’s a bit raw and unrefined, and that’s what makes it so appealing!