An uninvited guest is worse than a Tatar Vladimir Taburin (1870-1954)

The drawing presents a scene set within what appears to be a trench or fortified position during wartime. A young soldier, clad in military uniform and cap, sits slumped against a low earthen wall, his posture suggesting exhaustion and dejection. He holds a rifle loosely across his lap, his gaze directed downwards, away from the viewer. The composition emphasizes his vulnerability and apparent despair.
Above him, peering over the same wall, is another young soldier. His expression conveys amusement or perhaps mockery; he leans forward with an almost playful curiosity. This figure wears a distinctive helmet, suggesting a higher rank or specialized role. He holds what appears to be a small object in his hand, further contributing to the sense of detached observation.
The background features a rudimentary fire, emitting smoke that rises into the air. A field pack rests nearby, adding to the impression of a temporary and somewhat precarious encampment. The color palette is dominated by earthy tones – browns, greens, and ochres – which reinforce the feeling of confinement and hardship.
Subtly, the drawing employs visual contrast to convey its message. The slumped posture and downcast gaze of the first soldier are juxtaposed with the upright stance and amused expression of the second. This opposition suggests a power dynamic or perhaps a commentary on the psychological toll of conflict. The title implies that an unwelcome intrusion – represented by the observing soldier – is more burdensome than a perceived external threat (Tatar being used here as a derogatory term for an outsider). It’s possible to interpret this as a critique of internal tensions and anxieties within a military unit, where interpersonal dynamics can be as damaging as enemy action. The drawings style, with its somewhat cartoonish rendering of the figures, lends itself to satire and social commentary rather than straightforward realism.