The artwork “Postcard Happy Easter” by Ivan Bilibin, created in 1900, is an exemplary representation of the Art Nouveau, or Modern, movement, also categorized within the genre of poster art. The artwork presents a poignant scene emblematic of Bilibin’s characteristic style, emphasizing intricate detail and cultural specificity.
The central focus of the artwork showcases a man and a woman dressed in traditional Russian attire. The man wears a long embroidered tunic and cap, tenderly gesturing towards the woman who is adorned in a vibrantly decorated dress and headscarf, evoking a sense of cultural festivity and reverence. Behind them stretches a serene landscape, rendered with sparse, leafless trees extending into the distance under a soft, muted sky, conveying an early spring setting. Above this scene appears an ornate, floral border that guides the viewer’s eye along the composition. At the bottom, in bold red Cyrillic script, lies the phrase “Христос воскресе!” which translates to “Christ is Risen!” in English, marking the joyful celebration of Easter. The artwork, through its refined lines and harmonious color palette, embodies the stylistic intricacies of Art Nouveau while reflecting the rich cultural heritage of early 20th-century Russia.
