The artwork titled “Illustration for the book Russian school of painting, Illustration for the epic ‘Sadko – a rich guest'” was created by Ivan Bilibin in 1907. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of illustration.
The artwork demonstrates intricate line work common in Art Nouveau, illustrated in a style characteristic of Russian folklore and traditions. The upper part of the artwork displays a semi-circular composition featuring a radiant sun with a human face, flanked by two fortified towers that suggest elements of medieval architecture. Beneath the sun is a checkered pattern with an arched window or gate at the center, depicting a serene landscape framed by two doors. The lower portion of the artwork presents a series of stylized ships adorned with elaborate designs and patterns, further emphasizing the narrative elements from the epic ‘Sadko – a rich guest’. The ships float on stylized waves, with the detailing evocative of early 20th-century Russian illustration styles. The black and white contrast enhances the intricate details, underlining the rich cultural heritage celebrated in Bilibin’s work.
