On the ground and above the ground, we pinch the enemy with a noose! (Sokolov-Scalia P.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

This is a Soviet propaganda poster from 1941, titled On the ground and above the ground, we will pinch the enemy with a noose!. The artwork depicts two red biplanes soaring against a clear blue sky. The larger, more prominent plane is in the foreground, angled in flight. Beneath it, a black enemy plane is in a nosedive, engulfed in flames and trailing black smoke, symbolizing its destruction. A white semi-circular trail, indicative of aerial maneuver or combat, encircles the falling plane. The smaller red biplane flies in the background, further emphasizing the dominance of the Soviet aircraft.
The posters subtext is a defiant and powerful message of Soviet resilience and determination during a critical period of World War II, likely in response to the Nazi invasion. The title itself, On the ground and above the ground, we will pinch the enemy with a noose!, conveys a powerful dual threat – that the enemy will be defeated both in the air and on land. The visual of the burning enemy plane serves as a tangible representation of this victory, instilling a sense of confidence and patriotism in the viewer. The red biplanes, likely representing Soviet aircraft, are depicted as swift, superior, and victorious, while the falling enemy plane is portrayed as broken and defeated. The use of red, a color strongly associated with communism and Soviet identity, further amplifies the patriotic sentiment. The poster aims to rally the Soviet people, boost morale, and emphasize the unwavering commitment to repelling the enemy invasion.