“Princess in the Prison Tower,” an illustration from the Russian fairy tale “The White Duck,” was created by Ivan Bilibin in 1902. This artwork is part of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and belongs to the genre of illustration. It is a piece from the “White Duck” series.
The artwork depicts a vividly colored scene from the Russian fairy tale, illustrating a princess confined in a prison tower. The setting is a castle with architectural elements reflecting traditional Russian design, infused with intricate and ornamental details typical of the Art Nouveau style. The illustration frames the architectural beauty of the tower and its surrounding structures, extending a view that includes the sea with several ships in the distance. The image is bordered by an elaborate pattern of natural motifs, enhancing its aesthetic richness and captivating storytelling. Ivan Bilibin’s skillful use of color, composition, and detail effectively brings the fairy tale to life, encapsulating a moment of narrative tension and beauty.
