Scene with players (Scary playing). Sketch of the scenery for the drama by M.Yu. Lermontov Masquerade Alexander Golovin (1863-1930)

The drawing presents a theatrical scene, seemingly a sketch for stage design accompanying a dramatic work by Lermontov. The composition is dominated by heavy drapery in shades of deep red and black, creating a sense of enclosure and opulence. These curtains are not uniformly arranged; they hang with deliberate asymmetry, suggesting an intentional disruption of formal order.
Within this frame, we see a group of figures engaged in what appears to be a tense or unsettling interaction. They are positioned around a table, their postures and gestures hinting at concealed emotions or impending conflict. The artist has rendered them with simplified forms, emphasizing the overall mood rather than individual characteristics. Their dark attire contributes to the somber atmosphere.
Behind the group, a structure resembling an ornate salon is visible. Its architectural details – the windows, decorative panels, and patterned wallpaper – are executed in a stylized manner, lacking realistic depth but conveying a sense of lavishness. The window itself offers a glimpse of an exterior scene, though its content remains ambiguous, adding to the overall mystery.
The color palette is restricted primarily to reds, blacks, and muted yellows, reinforcing the feeling of drama and intrigue. The use of red, particularly in the drapery, evokes associations with passion, danger, and secrecy – themes likely central to the play for which this sketch was created.
Subtly, the drawing suggests a world where appearances are deceptive. The opulent setting contrasts sharply with the potential turmoil unfolding within it, implying that beneath a veneer of elegance lies something darker or more complex. The skewed arrangement of the curtains and the ambiguous nature of the figures’ interaction contribute to this sense of unease, hinting at hidden motives and unspoken tensions. It is a scene poised on the edge of revelation, where the boundaries between performance and reality seem blurred.