Illustration for the Russian Fairy Story "Feather Of Finist Falcon" 1900

This is Ivan Bilibin’s 1900 illustration for the Russian fairy tale, “Feather of Finist Falcon.” Bilibin was part of the Mir iskusstva movement, who, during the late Imperial era, sought to revive traditional Russian folk art. Here, we see a maiden approaching the kingdom of Finist, framed by stylized trees, flora, and fauna reminiscent of traditional Russian wood carvings. The image revives a pre-industrial, pre-modern Rus', a world of myth and folklore, of brave knights and beautiful princesses. This aesthetic, however, speaks to a very specific cultural moment. As Russia industrialized, artists and intellectuals sought to define a unique national identity, distinct from the West. They looked to the past, to the traditions of the peasantry and the decorative arts, as a source of inspiration. Understanding this image requires a deep dive into Russian history and folklore. What was the role of fairy tales in shaping national identity? How did artists like Bilibin navigate the tension between tradition and modernity? These are just some of the questions we can explore through further research into the cultural and institutional context of this artwork.