Sketch for the spectacle, Honor and Revenge, by Fiodor Sollogub 1908

Ivan Bilibin created this sketch for the spectacle “Honor and Revenge” in 1908. Bilibin, living through a time of political upheaval in Russia, embraced folklore and nationalism in his art, seeking to define a unique Russian identity. Here, we see Bilibin's interest in historical theatricality. The figure, likely a nobleman, is dressed in an elaborate costume, complete with a sword and feathered hat. His posture and attire speak to a culture deeply invested in displays of status and power. This representation of the Russian elite, though stylized, invites us to consider the social hierarchies of the time. The character's flamboyant dress might be seen as a critique of aristocratic excess, especially when viewed through the lens of the growing social unrest in early 20th-century Russia. Bilibin masterfully uses color and detail to evoke a sense of both grandeur and the absurd, prompting us to question the values of honor and revenge that the spectacle’s title invokes.