In the late 19th century, Russian artists became increasingly interested in national culture and began reinterpreting the heritage of folk and Old Russian art in contemporary visual practice. This trend was especially visible in the design of theatre posters and programs for imperial and provincial theatres, as well as for various artistic circles and associations. Richly decorated with ornaments, vignettes, illustrations, and stylised lettering inspired by Old Russian script, these printed materials became a major expression of the Russian style. Artists often combined folk motifs with the decorative language of Art Nouveau, drawing on wooden architecture, carving, embroidery, and folklore. The Bakhrushin Theatre Museum holds an important collection of such posters and programs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, created by both famous masters and lesser-known provincial artists. These programs and posters became a distinctive artistic phenomenon of the turn of the century.

31.03.2026