All Moscow is building a subway. Let's give the first line of the best metro in the world with the 17th anniversary of the October Revolution. (G. Klutsis) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a striking visual narrative centered around industrial progress and collective effort. Dominating the left side is a close-up portrait of a male worker, his gaze directed forward with resolute intensity. He wears a standard work hat and protective eyewear, signifying his role in the depicted labor. The strong lighting emphasizes his features, projecting an image of strength and determination.
Behind this figure, the scene expands to reveal a dynamic panorama of construction activity. A multitude of workers are engaged in various tasks – digging, carrying materials, operating machinery – all contributing to the creation of what appears to be a subterranean railway system. The artist employed a dramatic perspective, angling downwards to emphasize the scale and depth of the undertaking. This visual technique underscores the monumental nature of the project.
A bold, diagonal red line cuts across the composition, acting as both a compositional element and a symbolic representation of progress. It originates from the lower left corner, where the workers are actively engaged in excavation, and ascends towards the upper right, culminating near an architectural structure that likely represents a station entrance or ventilation shaft. The color red itself carries significant weight within the context of the era, often associated with revolution, industry, and socialist ideals.
The text incorporated into the design reinforces this message. Large, prominent lettering proclaims the collective nature of the endeavor – All [City Name] is building a subway. This phrasing emphasizes unity and shared responsibility in achieving a common goal. The smaller text at the bottom references an anniversary and claims the project will produce “the first line of the best metro in the world,” further amplifying its significance as a symbol of national pride and technological advancement.
Subtly, the image conveys a sense of optimism and ambition. It is not merely a depiction of labor but a celebration of human ingenuity and collective power. The idealized portrayal of the workers suggests their vital role in shaping the future of the nation. The overall effect is one of purposeful action and unwavering commitment to progress, characteristic of propaganda art designed to inspire and mobilize populations during a period of rapid industrialization and social transformation.