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.
The collection is open for research.
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.
Ivan Bilibin Postcard Collection (SC-30). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.
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.
The collection is arranged in chronological and alphabetical order. Items without dates appear at the end of the collection.
The postcards have been placed in protective sleeves for preservation purposes.
The collection was purchased by the VMFA Library in 2017.
The Troussoff Collection in Dickinson College's Archives and Special Collections contains materials related to Russian folklore and postcards.
The Tale of Ivan Tsarevich, the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf
[signed I. Bilibin 1899]
The World Postal Union. Russia. Union Postale Universelle. Russie.
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
Allowed by the censor, SPB, 23 November 1902
A publication of the Department for the Production of State Documents
The Tale of Ivan Tsarevich, the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf
[signed I. Bilibin 1899]
The World Postal Union. Russia. Union Postale Universelle. Russie.
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
Allowed by the censor, SPB, 23 November 1902
A publication of the Department for the Production of State Documents
The Tale of Ivan Tsarevich, the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf
[signed I. Bilibin 1899]
The World Postal Union. Russia. Union Postale Universelle. Russie.
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
A publication of the Department for the Production of State Documents
Even though I, Alyosha, have given away everything,
I have a strong horse!
I. Bilibin 1902
Alyosha Popovich
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
On behalf of the St. Eugenia Society [seal]
In partnership with R. Golike and A. Vilborg
Churilo Plenkovich
I. Bilibin 1902
Through the streets goes Churilo
As all the people stare in wonder
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
On behalf of the St. Eugenia Society [seal]
In partnership with R. Golike and A. Vilborg
Dobrynya Nikitich
And from the east
down to the west
Around Dobrynya
Flowed the dragon's blood
[signed I. Bilibin, date may be 1902]
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
On behalf of the St. Eugenia Society [seal]
In partnership with R. Golike and A. Vilborg
Mikhailo Potyk
Do not kill me, swan,
But marry me instead
I. Bilibin 1902
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
On behalf of the St. Eugenia Society [seal]
In partnership with R. Golike and A. Vilborg
Sadko,
All Hail, great and liberal Novgorod!
I. Bilibin 1903
Lithographer: A. Il'in
Allowed by the censor, SPB, 29 January 1904
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
On behalf of the St. Eugenia Society [seal]
I. B. 1903
Volga
The brave youths ride into the open field
They ride all day, from morning until evening
Lithographed by A. Navin
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
On behalf of the St. Eugenia Society [seal]
Ilya Muromets
[illegible]
I. Bilibin 1909
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
On behalf of the St. Eugenia Society [seal]
In partnership with R. Golike and A. Vilborg
The Tale of Ivan Tsarevich, the Firebird, and the Gray Wolf
[signed I. Bilibin]
[The stone in the picture is not really legible, but it will be the stone marker from the story, situated at a three-way split in the road, that says taking one road will lead to death, the next will lead to one's horse being killed, and the third will lead to cold and hunger.]
The World Postal Union. Russia. Union Postale Universelle. Russie.
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
Allowed by the censor, SPB, 23 November 1902
A publication of the Department for the Production of State Documents
I. Bilibin
In the old capital city of Kiev,
Vladimir, the Beautiful Sun,
Was banqueting at an honorable feast
With many princes and noblemen
Post Card - Carte Postale
[Place for stamp]
On behalf of the St. Eugenia Society [seal]
In partnership with R. Golike and A. Vilborg