Lubok ( lubki ) is a form of traditional Russian graphic art that developed between the 17th and 19th centuries. This art combines colorful illustrations with short narratives that are easy to understand, making it a very effective means of visual communication for conveying folklore, moral messages, and even social satire. In the Russian cultural landscape, lubok is not only visual entertainment, but also a form of intellectual expression of society in dealing with the issues of their time.
1) The Resolute Brother by Alexander Apsit (1918). 2) Lubok Zodiak (Late 17th/early 18th century)
In its early days, lubok served as a medium for disseminating religious stories and folklore, especially to those who were illiterate. Its strong visuals and simple narratives facilitated its message's reach to a wide audience. Many lubok works feature heroic figures, popular legends, and even morally charged stories reflecting the values of traditional Russian society.
1) Lubok Printing Block at the Museum of Russian Lubok and Naive Art. 2) Bible for the Poor by Vasiliy Koren (1692).
Over time, lubok evolved into a tool for social and political criticism. In the 18th and 19th centuries, many lubok artists began creating satirical works, criticizing social inequality, the policies of those in power, and various issues facing the people. The distinctive folk humor combined with caricature visuals made lubok a sharp yet entertaining medium for criticism, similar to early Russian comic strips.
A bear and a goat cooling off (1750) and A Joker and His Wife (1750).
Visually, lubok is known for its expressive illustration style and bold colors. Printing techniques evolved from woodcut to etching and lithography, allowing for wider and cheaper distribution. Its popularity is evident in its widespread distribution in various public spaces, such as markets, villages, and even homes.
Written by Noverdy R
Reference:
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Ovsi︠a︡nnikov, Iu., & Shkarovsky‑Raffé, A. (Eds.). (1968). Lubok: Russkie narodnye kartinki XVII–XVIII vv. Moscow: Sovetskiĭ Khudozhnik.
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Norris, S. M. (2005). Images of 1812: Ivan Terebenev and the Russian wartime lubok. National Identities, 7 (1), 1–15.
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Farrell, D. E. (1993). Medieval popular humor in Russian eighteenth-century lubok. Slavic Review, 52 (4), 725–752.
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Nedd, A. M. (2008). Segodniashnii lubok: Art, war, and national identity. In S. White & B. I. Shapiro (Eds.), Vasily Kandinsky and the Russian avant-garde (pp. 45–68). University of Nebraska Press.
