Vladimir Lebedev was a prominent figure in the avant-garde movement. He was a painter, political cartoonist, and poster artist known for his experimental style influenced by various artistic movements such as Russian folk art, lubki, futurism, constructivism, suprematism, and cubism. In fact, Lebedev played a significant role in inventing a new illustrative style that he referred to as the "language of cubism."

Lebedev's most notable contributions were in the field of children's literature, particularly during the 1920s. He collaborated closely with poet Samuil Marshak, who was considered the pioneer of Soviet children's literature. Together, they produced over a dozen picture books, covering a wide range of topics from whimsical tales to educational works.

Lebedev's involvement in the publishing industry and his dedication to book illustrations did not hinder his pursuit of painting, resulting in a remarkable collection of extraordinary artworks. He developed a unique artistic approach, distinct from any other, both in terms of painting and graphic design. Throughout the period spanning from the late 1920s to 1957, he produced numerous female portraits.