The Tale of Tsar Saltan and of His Son

The Tale of Tsar Saltan and of His Son, the Glorious and Mighty Prince Gvidon Saltanovich, and of His Beautiful Swan Princess

Illustrated by Natalia Goncharova (Russian, 1881–1962)

This tale, originally written in verse by Alexander Pushkin in 1831, is a classic of Russian literature. It tells the story of Tsar Saltan, his son Prince Gvidon, and the Swan Princess, incorporating themes of jealousy, exile, and family reunification.

In 1921, the Russian avant-garde artist Natalia Goncharova illustrated a French edition of the tale, translated by Claude Anet and published by Éditions de La Sirène. This edition is notable for its stencil-printed illustrations, reflecting Goncharova’s distinctive avant-garde style, which blended elements of Russian folk art with modernist influences.

The book consists of six unbound booklets, presented in a decorative cardboard folder. Plate 7 from this edition illustrates a specific scene from the tale, though detailed descriptions of this particular plate are not readily available. However, Goncharova’s illustrations are known for their bold use of color and form, integrating both traditional Russian motifs and contemporary artistic movements.

About Natalia Goncharova (1881–1962)

Goncharova was a pioneering Russian artist, co-founder of the Rayonist movement along with Mikhail Larionov. She played a significant role in the Russian avant-garde before moving to Paris in 1921, where she continued her artistic career until her death.

Print comes (11 x 17 inches) 120 pound matte finish cardstock *unframed*