Oil, canvas; 67 x 90 cm
Signed p.d.: ИБилибинъ / 1917
Asking price 19000
Estimate 22000 - 25000
Ivan Yakovlevich BILIBIN
1876 Tarchovka - 1942 Leningrad
One of the most influential illustrators and stage designers of the 20th century. Participant in the Mir Iskusstva project, among others, and a shareholder in the Russian Ballets. He was inspired by Slavic folklore and Art Nouveau. He attended vocational school, then was a student at St. Petersburg University at the Faculty of Law. After graduating in May 1900, he went to Munich, where he apprenticed with painter Anton Ažbe. Meanwhile, he continued his studies under Ilya Repin at the St. Petersburg Art School. He gained a worldwide reputation in 1899, when he published innovative illustrations for Russian fairy tales. In 1925, he settled in Paris, where he took up decorating private estates and Orthodox churches. In 1936, he returned to his homeland.
He also engaged in easel painting, creating atmospheric landscapes.
