Designed by the celebrated Russian artist Ivan Bilibin (1876–1942), this original 1927 programme was produced for the Russian Culture Day festivities held in Paris on 12 June 1927. More than a simple event programme, it is a remarkable work of graphic art that embodies the cultural identity of the Russian émigré community while showcasing the unmistakable decorative style of one of Russia's greatest illustrators.
The cover presents two richly dressed figures inspired by medieval Muscovite nobility standing before the towers and domes of the Kremlin. Framed by elaborate ornamental motifs and striking Cyrillic lettering, the composition perfectly reflects Bilibin's lifelong fascination with Old Russian art, illuminated manuscripts and traditional folk ornament. Every element—from the decorative costumes to the stylised architecture—demonstrates the artist's exceptional ability to transform historical imagery into a refined graphic design.
Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, Ivan Bilibin settled in Paris, where he became one of the leading artistic voices of the Russian émigré community. Throughout the 1920s, he contributed to exhibitions, theatre productions, publications and cultural events that sought to preserve Russian artistic traditions abroad. This programme was created within that context, commemorating a celebration dedicated to Russian culture while reinforcing the links between expatriate artists and their heritage.
Unlike exhibition posters intended for public display, programmes such as this were printed in far smaller quantities for attendees, making surviving examples considerably scarcer today. Their historical value extends beyond their artistic qualities, offering a tangible record of the vibrant cultural life maintained by Russian intellectuals and artists in interwar Paris.
Bilibin's influence on twentieth-century illustration remains immense. A founding member of the Mir Iskusstva (World of Art) movement, he achieved international recognition through his illustrations of Russian fairy tales and epic legends, establishing a visual language rooted in medieval iconography, folklore and decorative design. His mastery of line, ornament and typography is immediately recognisable in this elegant programme.
Today, original printed material designed by Ivan Bilibin is highly sought after by collectors of Russian art, rare books, theatre ephemera and graphic design. Combining historical importance with exceptional decorative appeal, this 1927 Russian Culture Day programme represents a fascinating testament to both the artist's genius and the enduring cultural spirit of the Russian émigré community in Paris.
Program
Exhibition - Russia
4-page booklet
Voltaire Art Paris
Good condition, one fold
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