The artwork, titled “Illustration for the poem ‘Two Crow'” by Alexander Pushkin, is a creation by Ivan Bilibin completed in 1910. This piece is part of the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and belongs to the genre of illustration.
The artwork consists of two distinct illustrations. The upper illustration depicts two crows in mid-flight against a backdrop of swirling clouds, rendered in intricate black and white lines. The composition creates a dynamic scene, with the crows’ powerful wings and detailed feathers capturing movement and intensity. Below, the second illustration shows a serene yet somber scene of a human figure reclined in nature, possibly deceased. The intricate line work continues, detailing flowers, foliage, and the resting figure covered in a patterned blanket, laying beside an ominous skeletal form. The juxtaposition of the two scenes—a lively sky with active birds and a quiet terrestrial scene—provides a stark contrast and reveals Bilibin’s masterful storytelling through visual art.
