An illustrated fairy tale in the creative heritage of I. Bogdesko: To mark the centenary of the artist

Abstract

The article marks the centenary of the outstanding book graphic artist Ilya Bogdesko (1923–2010). The author relies on Bogdesko’s extensive creative heritage to examine the branch of his artistic talent related to illustrating fairy tales. The publication of The Stories and the Tales by Mamin-Sibiryak was the artist’s first success that gave him confidence. The work on the fairy tale The Wallet with Two Coins by I. Creanga occupies a special place in Bogdesko’s oeuvre. Bogdesko worked on the illustrations and book design for The Wallet twice: the fairy tale was published in 1962 and 1977 with various designs. Both editions are of artistic value and are real Artist’s Books, since not only the illustrations, but also the handwritten text were executed by the artist. In the first edition, printed illustrations (linocut) are combined with hand-drawn type, drop caps, graphic exclamations and vignettes. In the second edition, the text is again written by hand, but in a different font and with different fairy-tale images which are pen drawn. Having changed his technique, Bogdesco moved away from the engraving laconicism of images of the heroes of the parable and sharp black-and-white contrasts, preferring linear elegance to the juicy and picturesque touch. In the 1990s, Bogdesko was commissioned to make illustrations for Grimms’ Fairy Tales and again relied on the drawing as a basis for illustration. Working in mixed media — gouache, colored watercolor, ink, sanguine — fascinated the master: the drawing became lighter and more elegant. The images that are born are clearer. Bogdesko, a mature and experienced master, worked on this series of illustrations for several years, fascinated by the fairy-tale theme. He strove for perfection in every sheet, achieving the emotion of spontaneous joy. Grimms’ Fairy Tales were conceived as another Artist’s Book: in addition to drawings, there have been preserved calligraphic sheets and layout designs. Unfortunately, the book was not published, but thanks to the funds of The State Russian Museum and the collections of private collectors, one can enjoy a particle of the book’s design project of a brilliant draftsman.