Ivan Bilibin

Ivan Bilibin (1876-1942) was a Russian illustrator and stage designer known for his fairy tale illustrations and his contribution to the Art Nouveau movement. Born in St. Petersburg, Bilibin studied at the city's Academy of Arts before traveling to Europe to study traditional folk art. He returned to Russia in 1902 and began working as an illustrator for several publishers, including the influential World of Art magazine. Bilibin's style was characterized by his use of bold, flat shapes and intricate patterns inspired by traditional Russian folk art. He also designed sets and costumes for the Russian ballet, including productions of "The Firebird" and "The Golden Cockerel." Bilibin left Russia after the Revolution and settled in Paris, where he continued to work as an illustrator until his death. His illustrations are still widely admired for their striking beauty and rich detail.