Drunk death (sketch posters to combat drunkenness) Roerich N.K. (Part 3)

The composition presents a scene of unsettling revelry framed within a vibrant, almost theatrical border. A group of figures is gathered around a table laden with what appears to be alcoholic beverages and playing cards. The color palette is striking: a bright yellow background contrasts sharply with the red frame and the dark silhouettes of several characters.
The individuals depicted are rendered in a stylized manner, their features exaggerated and masks or grotesque expressions obscuring any sense of individual identity. Several figures appear slumped or disoriented, suggesting intoxication. Notably, two large, shadowy beasts flank the table, their presence contributing to an atmosphere of menace and foreboding. One beast seems to be actively participating in the scene, holding a vessel aloft.
The artist employed a limited range of colors – red, yellow, black, and green – which intensifies the emotional impact. The use of flat planes and simplified forms creates a sense of immediacy and directness. There is an intentional lack of depth or perspective, flattening the space and emphasizing the symbolic nature of the scene.
The subtexts embedded within this work are complex. It seems to be a cautionary depiction of the destructive consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. The masked figures could represent individuals losing their humanity under the influence, while the beasts symbolize the primal forces unleashed by intoxication. The overall effect is not merely illustrative but rather a symbolic representation of moral decay and societal ills. The presence of playing cards suggests gambling as another contributing factor to ruin.
The work’s purpose, indicated in its context, was likely didactic – intended to discourage drunkenness through visual persuasion. It employs a stark and unsettling imagery to convey the gravity of the issue, foregoing any sense of comfort or aesthetic beauty in favor of a powerful message.