The artwork titled “Illustration for the epic ‘Volga and Mikula'” was created by the artist Ivan Bilibin in the year 1913. It represents the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and belongs to the genre of illustration. This piece is part of the “Volga” series.
In the artwork, a highly detailed scene is depicted which features a striking contrast between two different realms: human activity and a mythical or heroic assembly. In the upper left portion, an individual plows a field with great effort alongside a horse, symbolizing agrarian life. In stark contrast, the right side of the artwork displays a formidable force of armored warriors on horseback, their lances piercing the sky in unison. The meticulous detailing of the horses’ adornments and the warriors’ armor demonstrates Bilibin’s characteristic intricate style. The background features a rolling landscape of hills and trees, adding depth and context to the dynamic illustration. The interplay between pastoral labor and militaristic grandeur captures a significant narrative essence rooted in epic folklore.
