Lines and Colors art blog

Boris Zvorykin

Boris Zvorykin
Boris Zvorykin was a Russian illustrator active at the end of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th. Apart from that, I’ve found very little background or biographical information. I would be curious to know, in particular, the relationship between Zvorykin and Ivan Bilibin, who also did colorful and decorative illustrations of Russian folk tales..

The best selection of Zvorykin’s work I’ve found is on the website of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which counts at least 18 originals in its collection (and from which I’ve excerpted the images above).

These are done in gouache with metallic inks and black ink. The image portions of the sheets are roughly 11×8 inches (28x21cm).


Comments

5 responses to “Boris Zvorykin”

  1. Brian Harrison Avatar
    Brian Harrison

    Oh yes, Always loved this illustrative work – fantastic use of line and colour, not to mention the traditional decorative border art.
    I am very fortunate in having ten large format paperbacks, printed in Moscow 1976/77, each illustrating a traditional Russian story or tale, with the date of 1900 to 1902.
    Thanks Charley 🙂

    1. Sounds great, Brian.

  2. I recognise Boris Zworykin’s works from Villeroy & Boch plates. Ebay is auctioning them if anyone is interested. One can also visit the awesome Villeroy and Boch (since 1748) Keramik Museum in Mettlach, Germany.
    http://www.keramikmuseum-mettlach.de/
    Please, click on KERAVISION for 360 degrees Panoramas. Enjoy!

  3. These are so charming! Beautiful use of pattern and color.

  4. I love the “selfies” and Durer was always one of my favorites. I had never seen the portrait of him at 13 before. Thank you-Marie