The artwork, created by the artist Ivan Bilibin in 1912, encompasses sketches for the scenery of opera productions by various composers, including Aleksey Verstovsky’s “Askold’s Grave,” Mikhail Glinka’s “Ruslan and Ludmilla,” and Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Sadko.” Associated with the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement, this design genre piece showcases Bilibin’s distinctive style and craftsmanship in creating theatrical backdrops.
The artwork demonstrates a captivating blend of natural and architectural elements, depicted with intricate detail and vibrant colors characteristic of the Art Nouveau style. The first scene portrays a tranquil landscape featuring a quaint wooden cabin and a formidable fortress emerging in the distance, framed by lush trees and a peaceful river. The second scene reveals an opulent garden adorned with exotic plants, decorative arches, and a cascading waterfall, encapsulated by ornate drapery, evoking a sense of enchantment and grandeur. The final scene further captures the mystical aura with a lakeside view enveloped by intricately designed pavilions and foliage, adding to the composition’s ethereal elegance. Overall, Bilibin’s sketches brilliantly translate the operatic narratives into visually stunning scenic designs.
