Минчо Никифоров и първото изображение на Ян Бибиян в контекста на периодиката за деца от 1930-те години
Mincho Nikiforov and the Earliest Representation of Yan Bibian in the Contexts of the 1930s children’s periodicals

Summary/Abstract: The article focuses on artist Mincho Nikiforov and his illustrations for the children’s novel in two parts, Yan Bibian. The Fantastic Adventures of a Kid and Yan Bibian on the Moon, by canonical Bulgarian writer Elin Pelin. The lack of equal footing between word and image is pointed out, both in a historical context and today’s Bulgaria. The popular fictional character, Yan Bibian had not a clear-cut and recognisable visual equivalent. Some details of the artist’s life are adduced using a form of the Union of Bulgarian Artists he himself has filled in. His participation in exhibitions of paintings and first of all, his work in the field of printing industry are mentioned. Mincho Nikiforov was active in the 1930s as an illustrator and designer of textbooks, books and periodicals mostly for children. Facts of Elin Pelin’s activity and typical specifics of his style are reminded with a view to publications for children. The context of the strong development of publishing of children’s books and periodicals in that decade is extended to focus on a number of factors such as the governmental policy, economic conditions, the upsurge in the activities of private publishing houses, increased consumption related to the development of the educational system, etc. The role of Hemus press in these processes is defined. The history of Puteka (Path) newspaper for children and adolescents has been reconstructed, where Yan Bibian was first published as a serial. The earliest illustrations for the novel and Mincho Nikiforov’s style are briefly analysed.

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