Since February 21, Leningrad decreased prices for all of its goods. (Bulanov D.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The artwork presents a striking visual composition dominated by a vibrant red background. A close-up portrait of a man occupies the left portion of the frame, his gaze directed towards the viewer with an intensity that suggests both attentiveness and perhaps a degree of stoicism. The face is rendered in a simplified, almost stylized manner, characteristic of Constructivist aesthetics prevalent during the period.
Superimposed diagonally across the red field are bold, sans-serif Cyrillic lettering announcing price reductions implemented by Leningrad’s factory system. The texts placement and angle create a dynamic visual rhythm that draws the eye across the composition. A prominent ear, rendered in a similar stylized fashion to the face, is positioned on the right side of the image, seemingly listening intently to the announcement. This element introduces an intriguing layer of symbolism.
The artist’s choice of color – the intense red – evokes associations with revolution and industry, aligning with the socio-political context of early Soviet Russia. The simplified forms and geometric arrangement contribute to a sense of efficiency and modernity, reflecting the ideals of Constructivism which sought to serve the needs of the new socialist state through functional design.
Beyond the literal message of price reductions, the work subtly explores themes of communication, awareness, and the role of the individual within a collective system. The attentive ear suggests an expectation of vigilance and participation in the economic policies being implemented. It implies that citizens are not merely recipients of information but active listeners and participants in the unfolding social experiment. The portrait’s direct gaze further reinforces this sense of engagement, inviting the viewer to consider their own role in the process.
The overall effect is one of purposeful messaging combined with a carefully considered visual language designed to convey both optimism and a call to action within the nascent Soviet society.