Ivan Bilibin Postcard Collection (SC-30)

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
VMFA Archives
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Margaret R. and Robert M. Freeman Library
200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard
Richmond, VA 23220-4007
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Roxanne Winfield
Phone: (804) 340-1497
Phone: (804) 340-1495
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

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.

Preferred citation:

Ivan Bilibin Postcard Collection (SC-30). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
0.1 Linear Feet 1 box; 12 items
Creator:
Bilibin, Ivan I︠A︡kovlevich, 1876-1942
Abstract:
The collection consists of 12 postcards illustrated by Russian Art Nouveau artist Ivan Bilibin between 1899-1909 depicting scenes from traditional Russian folktales.
Language:
Russian .
Preferred citation:

Ivan Bilibin Postcard Collection (SC-30). VMFA Archives, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

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.

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.

Custodial history:

The collection was purchased by the VMFA Library in 2017.

Processing information:

The postcards have been placed in protective sleeves for preservation purposes.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged in chronological and alphabetical order. Items without dates appear at the end of the collection.

Indexed terms

Subjects:
Fairy tales -- Russia.