We eliminate spies and saboteurs. Trotskyite-Bukharinic agents of fascism! (S. Igumnov) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition immediately draws attention with its stark contrast between a powerful hand and a coiled serpent. The hand, rendered in a vibrant red hue, dominates the upper portion of the visual field, gripping the snakes head firmly. This gesture conveys an undeniable sense of control and force. The serpent itself is depicted in shades of crimson and black, suggesting danger and deceit. Its form winds downwards, creating a dynamic diagonal line that leads the eye towards the text at the bottom.
The artist employed a limited color palette – primarily red, black, and subtle gradations within those tones – which contributes to the work’s intensity and dramatic effect. The background is entirely black, isolating the central figures and amplifying their symbolic weight. This absence of detail focuses attention solely on the act of suppression being portrayed.
The imagery operates on multiple levels. On a surface level, it presents an allegory for the eradication of perceived enemies of the state. The serpent, traditionally associated with treachery and evil, represents those deemed subversive – specifically, individuals aligned with Trotsky and Bukharin, labeled as agents of fascism. The hand symbolizes the strength and authority of the ruling power, actively eliminating these threats.
Beyond this immediate interpretation, the work can be understood within the broader context of Soviet propaganda during a period of political purges. It serves to legitimize state-sponsored repression by framing it as a necessary defense against internal enemies. The visual language is designed to evoke fear and encourage vigilance among the populace, reinforcing the narrative that external threats are inextricably linked to domestic dissent.
The text at the bottom reinforces this message explicitly, calling for the elimination of spies and saboteurs associated with specific political factions. The forceful typography and direct language leave no room for ambiguity regarding the intended purpose of the image: to justify and promote a campaign of political persecution.