Long live May 1. (Sokolov-Scalia P.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a monumental figure dominating the visual field. He is depicted as a working-class man, clad in blue overalls and a cap, with a robust build and a prominent mustache. His posture suggests both strength and protective guardianship; he leans forward slightly, holding aloft a red banner proclaiming a celebratory date. In his arms, he cradles a child, who gazes upwards with an expression of hopeful expectation. The child’s gesture – offering what appears to be bread – symbolizes sustenance and the promise of prosperity for future generations.
The background is structured by sharp, angular shapes in red, resembling stylized arrows or rays emanating from behind the central figure. These elements contribute to a sense of dynamism and forward momentum, reinforcing the celebratory nature of the occasion. Inscriptions in multiple languages (Long Live May 1, Vive le 1er Mai, “Es Lebt der 1. Mai”) are integrated into this background, suggesting an international solidarity and shared purpose.
Below the towering figure lies a chaotic scene populated by smaller figures, rendered with exaggerated expressions of distress or defeat. They appear to be stumbling, falling, or recoiling in apparent discomfort. The positioning of these individuals suggests they represent those who oppose or are displaced by the progress symbolized by the central figure and his child. Their diminutive size emphasizes the power and dominance of the working class and their ideals.
The overall effect is one of triumphant assertion – a visual declaration of strength, hope, and collective advancement. The artist employed a stark contrast between the idealized representation of the worker and the depiction of those seemingly left behind, creating a narrative that champions progress while implicitly condemning opposition. The use of bold colors and simplified forms aligns with the aesthetic conventions of propaganda art, intended to convey a clear and persuasive message to a broad audience.