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

The 1918 illustration, created by Russian artist Jury Annenkov for Aleksander Blok's poem "The Twelve", depicts a scene of chaos and violence. The black and white composition is striking, with sharp lines and bold shapes emphasizing the dramatic action. The use of black and white creates a powerful visual impact, reflecting the tumultuous events of the Russian Revolution. The illustration showcases Annenkov's mastery of graphic design, blending elements of Cubism and Expressionism to create a unique visual language. The stylized figures, reminiscent of woodcuts, convey a sense of urgency and intensity, reflecting the poem's exploration of the revolution's brutality and societal upheaval.