The artwork, titled “Illustration for ‘The Tale of Three Royal Divah and the Ivashko Priest’s Son,'” was created by Ivan Bilibin in 1911. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) art movement and is categorized under the genre of illustration.
The artwork depicts a scene where a young man, dressed in traditional attire, sits on a raised surface and interacts with an elderly, hunched-over woman. The woman’s exaggerated, skeletal fingers are a focal point, reaching towards the man in a gesture that could imply a form of communication or warning. Her attire includes a colorful skirt and headscarf, painted with detailed patterns which are characteristic of Bilibin’s style. The background features a wooden structure and a small window, suggesting a rustic, folk-tale setting. The intricate detailing and use of earthy tones are consistent with the Art Nouveau movement, reflecting Bilibin’s mastery in illustrating Russian folklore.
