Illustration to Aleksander Blok's poem 'The Twelve' 1918

Jury Annenkov made this illustration to Aleksander Blok's poem 'The Twelve' using what looks like ink and paper. There's a real urgency in the mark making here, a kind of nervous energy. The composition is split into chaotic zones, with the figures in the foreground contrasting with the ghostly group marching in the distance. The texture of the piece, achieved through the use of stark black and white, feels raw and immediate. Take a look at the top of the image, where the lettering looms over the scene. It's almost like a shout, adding to the sense of tension and unease. It reminds me of some of the German Expressionist woodcuts of the early 20th century, where the artists were grappling with similar themes of social upheaval and uncertainty. Ultimately, this illustration invites us to contemplate the complexities of revolution and the human condition. It offers no easy answers, and instead embraces the ambiguity and contradictions of its subject matter.