The artwork titled “Stepan Razin,” created by Ivan Bilibin in 1935, belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls under the genre of history painting. This piece captures a historical narrative, reflective of Bilibin’s distinctive style and artistic influence during that period.
The artwork depicts a commanding figure, Stepan Razin, a well-known historical character, who stands resolutely atop a tree stump in a natural setting. Razin is garbed in elaborate, traditional attire characterized by a richly patterned coat and robe, adorned with intricate details and vibrant colors. His confident stance with arms crossed over his chest, gazing into the distance, suggests a sense of determination and leadership. The background features an expansive, tranquil landscape with verdant trees and a serene body of water under a cloudy sky, enhancing the dramatic and contemplative nature of the scene. Bilibin’s use of bold lines and vivid colors, along with the stylized rendering of the subject and the environment, exemplifies the Art Nouveau influence in the composition.