Princess in the prison tower. Illustration of the Russian fairy tale "The White duck" 1902

Ivan Bilibin gave us this illustration of a Russian fairy tale – “The White Duck” – with watercolor, gouache, and ink on paper. I imagine Bilibin meticulously layering colors, building up the decorative borders and architectural details with a steady hand and a fine brush. I am struck by the composition, how the artist creates a sense of depth and enclosure, drawing us into the princess’s world. The cool blues and grays of the sea and sky contrast with the warm yellows and browns of the wooden tower. The dark outlines emphasize the decorative elements of the scene – the ornate window, the patterns on the roof. I feel for the princess stuck up there; from her tower, she can see the world, but she can’t quite reach it. She is trapped in the picture, while the boats sail off to other shores. I wonder if Bilibin ever felt like that, stuck in his own world? I love how artists are in this ongoing conversation across time, taking what they need from those who came before and inspiring those who come after.