#15085 Pavel Filonov (1883-1941)

The composition presents a crowded scene centered around a long table laden with food and drink. A group of figures, rendered in a stylized and somewhat distorted manner, are seated along the tables length, while others appear to be observing from the periphery or engaged in actions outside the immediate dining area. The color palette is dominated by warm tones – reds, oranges, yellows – with accents of blue and green, contributing to an overall sense of intensity and visual complexity.
The figures themselves are characterized by exaggerated features and a lack of naturalistic representation. Their faces display a range of expressions, some appearing jovial or celebratory, others conveying weariness or even distress. The clothing is elaborate and patterned, further emphasizing the theatrical nature of the scene. A prominent figure, seated in an elevated chair at the tables center, seems to be the focal point, though their expression remains ambiguous.
Several subtexts emerge from this arrangement. The abundance of food and drink suggests a feast or celebration, but the figures’ expressions hint at underlying anxieties or tensions. The presence of individuals seemingly excluded from the main gathering – those kneeling or positioned outside the central group – implies social hierarchies or exclusion. The distorted perspective and flattened space contribute to an unsettling atmosphere, distancing the viewer from any sense of realism.
The artists choice to depict figures in such a stylized manner suggests a deliberate rejection of naturalism, possibly aiming to convey symbolic meaning rather than literal representation. It is possible that the work explores themes of power, excess, and social dynamics within a specific cultural context. The overall effect is one of controlled chaos – a vibrant yet unsettling portrayal of human interaction and societal structures.