Marya Morevna (1903) illustrated by Ivan Bilibin
Marya Morevna (1903) is one of the most celebrated illustrated editions of a Russian fairy tale, brought to vivid life by the iconic artist Ivan Bilibin. Based on the Slavic folktale of the same name, this story follows the brave Prince Ivan, who marries the warrior-queen Maria Morevna, only to lose her to the fearsome sorcerer Koschei the Deathless. Determined to rescue her, Ivan embarks on a perilous quest, meeting mythical creatures and powerful allies along the way.
Bilibin’s Maria Morevna was part of a renowned series of Russian fairy tale publications, produced by the St Peterburg State Securities Procurement. This 1903 edition features large-format pages, ornate Cyrillic typography, and full-color lithograph plates surrounded by elaborate foliate borders. The tale itself, rooted in oral tradition, is a thrilling blend of magic, adventure, and romance.
About the illustrator Ivan BIlibin:
Ivan Yakovlevich Bilibin (1876–1942) was a Russian illustrator and stage designer best known for his work on Slavic folklore and fairy tales. A student of Ilya Repin and heavily influenced by the Art Nouveau movement and medieval Russian art, Bilibin developed a distinctive style that combined bold outlines, stylized forms, and rich, flat colors. His work was also shaped by his travels through Northern Russia, where he studied folk art and architecture. Bilibin’s illustrations often include intricate border designs and symbolic details drawn from Russian mythology and Orthodox iconography. His legacy endures as one of Russia’s most influential illustrators.
Recommended for collectors:
- The Tale of Tsar Saltan (1905), illustrated by Ivan Bilibin – Another Pushkin tale with iconic border work and vivid folkloric imagery.
- The Firebird and Other Russian Fairy Tales (1980), illustrated by Boris Zvorykin – A lush collection filled with color and mystical themes.
Ivan Bilibin – Maria Morevna Fairy Tales 1903
