Year of the proletarian dictatorship. (Apsis A.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

Here we observe a composition structured around a central axis of power and revolutionary fervor. The scene is dominated by two figures: robust men standing on either side of a raised platform. The figure on the left holds a rifle at his side, embodying strength and readiness for action. He is positioned against a backdrop of stylized rays emanating from behind an industrial cityscape, suggesting progress and the dawn of a new era. The man to the right brandishes a red flag, a clear symbol of socialist ideology and revolutionary struggle.
Below these central figures, a crowd gathers, depicted with varying degrees of detail, some rendered as individual portraits while others are generalized representations of the working class. They appear to be looking up at the two men, suggesting reverence or perhaps expectation. At their feet lies what appears to be discarded weaponry – helmets and other military paraphernalia – symbolizing the defeat of the old order and the triumph of the revolution. A broken chain further reinforces this notion of liberation from oppression.
The color palette is heavily reliant on reds and browns, evoking a sense of urgency, passion, and earthiness. The red banners are particularly striking, drawing the eye and emphasizing the ideological commitment of those depicted.
Above the figures, a banner proclaims a message in Cyrillic script, likely an appeal for international solidarity among workers. This reinforces the idea that the events portrayed are not merely local but part of a larger global movement. The overall effect is one of triumphant assertion – a visual declaration of revolutionary victory and a call to action for those who share its ideals.
Subtly, the composition employs a hierarchical structure. The two central figures stand elevated above the crowd, suggesting their authority and leadership role in this new social order. The industrial backdrop, while symbolizing progress, also hints at the potential for future economic development under the new regime. The discarded weaponry serves as a potent reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve this moment, and the broken chain signifies the dismantling of previous systems of control.