Drunkard 1920

David Burliuk made this small oil painting, "Drunkard," in 1920, at a time when revolution and civil war were tearing Russia apart. This unflinching portrait seems to reflect the bleakness of that historical moment. Burliuk was a key figure in the Russian avant-garde, and his work often challenged conventional artistic and social norms. Here, the sitter's face is angular and harshly lit, his eyes wide and unfocused. The word 'Siberia' in the bottom corner of the painting may be a reference to the harsh conditions of exile suffered by political prisoners under the Tsarist regime. By 1920, Siberia had also become a place of refuge from the upheavals in the big cities. The title of the painting implies the sitter is inebriated, but it may also refer to the feeling of disorientation and despair that gripped many Russians at this time. To fully appreciate Burliuk's art, we need to delve into the history of early 20th-century Russia, consulting manifestos, letters, and other period documents. Art is always embedded in its social and institutional context.