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

This illustration by Jury Annenkov from 1918 is a depiction of Aleksander Blok's poem "The Twelve." The artwork is a powerful representation of the Russian Revolution, featuring a group of figures in a chaotic and fragmented composition. The bold lines and contrasting black and white colors create a sense of urgency and tension, reflecting the turbulent times of the revolution. The artwork's style aligns with the principles of Russian Futurism, which sought to break from traditional artistic forms and embrace the dynamism of the modern world. "The Twelve" poem itself celebrates the Red Guard as the new revolutionary force, and this illustration captures the spirit of that movement.