The artwork titled “Palace of Chernomor. Sketches of scenery for Mikhail Glinka’s Ruslan and Ludmilla” was created by Ivan Bilibin in 1900. This piece belongs to the Art Nouveau (Modern) movement and falls within the design genre. It is part of the “Ruslan and Ludmilla” series, serving as a scenic sketch for Mikhail Glinka’s opera adaptation of the same name.
The artwork presents a fantastical architectural scene, meticulously detailed with elements characteristic of oriental and medieval influences, harmonizing with the opulent style of Art Nouveau. The composition features grand arches, intricate domes, and towering pillars adorned with elaborate patterns and statues. A vivid checkerboard floor leads the viewer’s eye towards ornate staircases and colonnades, all set against a backdrop of majestic mountains. The lush greenery and exotic palm trees interspersed within the palace grounds add to the enchanting atmosphere, reflecting Bilibin’s masterful ability to blend architecture with nature.
