Skt. Peterburg Exped. Zagotovl. Gos. Bumag. 1901
A good example of this beautiful children book, finely illustrated in colour. Rarely found in unrestored condition.
Over a four-year period Bilibin illustrated six tales using as backgrounds the typical Russian countryside and buildings: dark and luscious forests and meadows, blue ribbons of rivers, colourful medieval building, ancient monasteries and wood huts. He strove to create an artistic whole for the series by careful layout and design. He placed the illustrations within intricate frames of his own design, employing a variety of decorative motifs that imitate wood carvings and poker-work; and he selected and drew the ornamental lettering used on the cover and at the beginning of each tale. The books were released as thin, large-format publications in stiff wrappers and illustrated with colourful high quality chromolithographs. Bilibin's style has been frequently imitated and his approach to book design, where everything is subordinated to a single artistic concept, was very influential in the history of Russian book design (Golynets, pp. 6-7; 13-15).
Folio (32.5 x 25.5 cm). 12 pp., chromolithographs throughout, some of these full-page; some browning and light spotting. Original chromolithographed wrappers; small blank paper label over price mark to lower cover.
Over a four-year period Bilibin illustrated six tales using as backgrounds the typical Russian countryside and buildings: dark and luscious forests and meadows, blue ribbons of rivers, colourful medieval building, ancient monasteries and wood huts. He strove to create an artistic whole for the series by careful layout and design. He placed the illustrations within intricate frames of his own design, employing a variety of decorative motifs that imitate wood carvings and poker-work; and he selected and drew the ornamental lettering used on the cover and at the beginning of each tale. The books were released as thin, large-format publications in stiff wrappers and illustrated with colourful high quality chromolithographs. Bilibin's style has been frequently imitated and his approach to book design, where everything is subordinated to a single artistic concept, was very influential in the history of Russian book design (Golynets, pp. 6-7; 13-15).
Folio (32.5 x 25.5 cm). 12 pp., chromolithographs throughout, some of these full-page; some browning and light spotting. Original chromolithographed wrappers; small blank paper label over price mark to lower cover.
About us
Shapero Rare Books is an internationally renowned dealer in antiquarian & rare books and works on paper.
Our Bookshop and Gallery can be found in the heart of Mayfair at 106 New Bond Street, where most of our stock is available to view and on public display.
We exhibit at major international art fairs, including TEFAF (Maastricht and New York), Frieze Masters, Art Miami and Masterpiece London, as well as antiquarian & rare book fairs including New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Hong Kong.
