Kurenie tsigary Russian folk splints

The drawing presents a scene of apparent domesticity disrupted by an unsettling intrusion. Here we observe a group of figures gathered around a table laden with food and drink, seemingly engaged in leisurely conversation or perhaps a light meal. The individuals are dressed in elaborate attire, suggesting a degree of social standing and comfort. A sense of abundance is conveyed through the profusion of dishes on display.
However, this atmosphere of ease is sharply contrasted by the presence of several large, predatory birds – likely ravens – that have entered the space. They perch on the window ledge, observe the scene with an almost calculating gaze, and even descend towards the table, threatening to disrupt the gathering. The positioning of these birds creates a palpable tension; they are not merely background elements but active participants in the narrative.
The composition is structured around a strong vertical axis formed by the windows and the figures’ postures. This reinforces the sense of observation and surveillance – both from within the room and from outside, as represented by the birds. The use of dark lines and shading contributes to a somber mood, enhancing the unsettling nature of the scene.
The text accompanying the image provides further layers of interpretation. It appears to be a dialogue or narrative fragment that hints at themes of temptation, transgression, and perhaps even a commentary on human folly. References to tobacco, taste, and the consumption of food are interwoven with observations about the birds’ behavior, blurring the lines between the mundane and the ominous.
Subtly, the drawing seems to explore the precariousness of civilized existence in the face of primal forces. The seemingly secure domestic sphere is vulnerable to intrusion from the wild, suggesting a deeper anxiety about control and order. Its possible that the artist intended to convey a moral or cautionary message – a reminder of the potential for disruption and decay even within the most carefully constructed environments.