Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin

M.Garvin, New York

A.V.Golynets (ed.), Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin: stat'i, pis'ma, vospominaniya o khudozhnike, Leningrad: Khudozhnik RSFSR, 1970, p.326 (listed under works for 1929)

The sheet appears sound though it has slightly discoloured. There is a layer of light surface dirt and a very light surface scratch to the lower border. Held in an ornate gold painted plaster frame behind glass. Unexamined out of frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Bilibin had moved to France in 1925 and stayed there until 1936. The present work, executed at the height of the artist's powers in 1929, is a jewel-like composition that draws on the influences of Russian folk art, icon-painting and mediaeval manuscript illumination. Whilst working on the series of small 'panels' from Pushkin's Tale of Tsar Saltan to which the offered lot belongs, Bilibin had also been designing the stage-sets and costumes for Rimsky-Korsakov's opera of the same name, which had its premiere as part of the Russian opera season in Paris at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées. Indeed, Bilibin incorporated certain elements from the decorative panels into the set designs.

Prince Sergei Volkonsky wrote of the impact that Bilibin's designs for the opera had on its audience: "The Russian festival continues. This time it was a real triumph. He who has not seen it for himself cannot imagine the delights it offers to the eye and ear. Perhaps you think you have been to the kingdom of the glorious Saltan or to the capital of the island of Buyan? No, we have entered the icon. This is icon-painting come alive" (S. Volkonsky, quoted in S. Golynets, Ivan Bilibin, London: Pan Books, 1981, p. 201).