The artwork, titled “Advertisement of the New Bavaria beer,” was created by Ivan Bilibin in 1903. It belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls within the genre of posters. This visually arresting piece was crafted to serve as an advertisement for the New Bavaria beer.
The artwork features a central barrel bearing the inscription “Новая Бавария” (New Bavaria) and is surrounded by an elaborate and colorful scene, rendered with great detail and intricate patterns typical of the Art Nouveau style. The upper section of the poster includes a juxtaposition of night and day, depicted through a starry sky on the left and a radiant sun on the right, symbolizing perhaps the universal appeal of the beverage. A diverse assembly of figures dressed in traditional Russian attire surround the barrel, suggesting a festive or celebratory occasion. The lower section of the poster is dedicated to text, adorned with ornamental designs, adding to the overall decorative aesthetic. The careful composition and ornate embellishments showcase Bilibin’s distinctive artistic approach and serve to capture the viewer’s attention, fulfilling its purpose as an effective advertisement.