Ivan Bilibin Postcard Collection (SC-30)
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of 12 postcards illustrated by Russian Art Nouveau artist Ivan Bilibin between 1899-1909 depicting scenes from traditional Russian folktales. All 12 postcards are blank. 8 of the postcards were issued by the Publishing House of the Red Cross Society of St. Eugenia. Dialogue and narration of the illustrations are written in Russian. Each item includes an English translation.
Dates
- 1899-1909
Creator
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
The collection is subject to all copyright laws. Transmission or reproduction of materials protected by copyright, beyond that allowed by fair use, requires the researcher to obtain permission of copyright holders.
Biographical / Historical
Russian Art Nouveau artist Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin (1876-1942) was born near St. Petersburg and gained popularity in the early 20th century due to his illustrations of Russian folktales. The postcards in the collection reflect Bilibin’s early interest in depicting folklore in his artwork. As his career progressed, Bilibin illustrated books, drew landscapes, and created sets and costumes for theater productions. In 1942, Bilibin died during the Siege of Leningrad.
Extent
0.1 Linear Feet (1 box; 12 items)
Language of Materials
Russian
Abstract
The collection consists of 12 postcards illustrated by Russian Art Nouveau artist Ivan Bilibin between 1899-1909 depicting scenes from traditional Russian folktales.
Arrangement
The collection is arranged in chronological and alphabetical order. Items without dates appear at the end of the collection.
Custodial History
The collection was purchased by the VMFA Library in 2017.
Related Materials - VMFA Library: Books
- Russian fairy tales, 2013
- Russian legends : folk tales and fairy tales, 2007
- Russian art nouveau : the world of art and Diaghilev’s painters : painting, graphic art, theatrical design 1997
- Ivan Bilibin, 1982
Processing Information
The postcards have been placed in protective sleeves for preservation purposes.
- Fairy tales -- Russia. Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
- Title
- Finding Aids to Special Collections in the VMFA Archives | Ivan Bilibin Postcard Collection
- Subtitle
- Special Collection 30 (SC-30)
- Author
- Emily Johnson, Assistant Archivist; Translated by Maggie Gingerich, December 2017
- Date
- 2023
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Archives Repository
Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond VA 23220-4007 United States
804-340-1495
library@vmfa.museum
