#15074 Pavel Filonov (1883-1941)

The composition presents a densely populated scene, rendered in a fractured and angular style. A multitude of figures appear crammed within a confined space, their forms distorted and fragmented, contributing to a sense of overwhelming chaos. The palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and grays – interspersed with patches of blue and green that offer limited visual respite.
Here we see a central figure lying prone, seemingly lifeless, amidst the throng. This individual’s posture and the surrounding arrangement of bodies suggest a moment of collapse or defeat. Around this focal point, other figures are depicted in various states: some appear to be struggling, others seem frozen in expressions of anguish or despair, while still others are engaged in what might be interpreted as acts of aggression or resistance.
The artist employed a perspective that is neither consistent nor naturalistic. The spatial relationships between the figures are ambiguous; they overlap and interpenetrate one another, blurring the boundaries between individual identities. This flattening effect reinforces the impression of collective suffering and loss of individuality within a larger societal context.
A sense of oppressive weight pervades the scene. The upper portion of the composition is particularly dense with figures, creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere that presses down on those below. The use of sharp angles and jagged lines further contributes to this feeling of tension and unease.
Subtly embedded within the chaos are hints of architectural elements – suggesting a ruined or devastated urban landscape. These structures appear fragmented and unstable, mirroring the fractured nature of the human figures depicted. This juxtaposition implies that the suffering is not merely personal but is deeply intertwined with societal and political forces. The overall effect conveys a profound sense of tragedy, loss, and the potential for destruction inherent in collective experience.