Revel of businessmen Leonid Solomatkin (1837-1883)

The scene unfolds within a modestly sized room, dominated by a large table set for a convivial gathering. Here we see a group of men engaged in what appears to be a boisterous celebration, their postures and expressions suggesting a state of considerable intoxication. The composition is tightly focused on this central tableau; the background remains largely undefined, drawing attention solely to the revelry taking place at the table.
The men are depicted with varying degrees of disarray. Some slump in their chairs, faces flushed and eyes glazed over, while others lean heavily on the table for support. One figure, positioned near the center, is actively being embraced by another, a gesture that conveys both camaraderie and perhaps a degree of physical instability. The presence of numerous bottles and glasses scattered across the tablecloth reinforces the impression of excessive consumption. A discarded hat lies on the floor beside one man, further contributing to the atmosphere of relaxed abandon.
The artist’s use of light is noteworthy. It illuminates the faces and upper bodies of the men, highlighting their expressions and emphasizing the physical effects of alcohol. The shadows cast by the figures contribute to a sense of depth and enclosure within the room. The color palette is muted, dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and creams – which lend a certain gravity to the scene despite its jovial subject matter.
Beyond the surface depiction of merriment, subtexts emerge that complicate the reading of this gathering. There’s an underlying sense of melancholy or perhaps even desperation in some of the mens faces, hinting at deeper anxieties masked by alcohol. The cramped setting and somewhat dilapidated appearance of the room suggest a lack of refinement or luxury, implying that these are not individuals enjoying leisure but rather seeking solace or escape.
The painting seems to offer a commentary on societal norms and expectations surrounding masculinity, success, and the pursuit of pleasure. It suggests that behind the façade of prosperity and celebration may lie vulnerabilities and anxieties. The scene is less about joyous revelry and more about a ritualized performance of masculine camaraderie, one sustained by excess and potentially masking underlying discontent.