Red gift to the white man. Move this suitcase to the forehead. (Moore D.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

This is a Soviet propaganda poster from 1920, created by artistD. Moor. The poster, titled Red Gift to the White Man, depicts two men carrying a large, red, bullet-shaped object. The text at the top declares it the RSFSR and proclaims Workers of the world, unite!. The main title, Red Gift to the White Man, is prominently displayed, with the words White Man written in a smaller font, implying an antagonist. Below the central image, a rhyming caption reads, Push this suitcase into the pan-faces forehead!

What I see:

• Central Image: Two men in simple, working-class attire are straining to carry a large, red, elongated object that resembles a bomb or a bullet. The man in front appears stronger and more determined, while the man behind him seems to be struggling more, with a strained expression.
• Color Palette: The dominant colors are red, black, and white/cream, which are common in early Soviet propaganda for their starkness and symbolic meaning. Red represents revolution, socialism, and the blood of the proletariat. Black represents the oppressive past or the forces of opposition.
• Characters: The two men carrying the object are depicted as common laborers, suggesting they represent the working class or the Red Army. Their clothing is utilitarian. The man in the front has a mustache and a determined look. The man behind him seems more fearful or exhausted.
• The Gift: The red object is stylized and dynamic, pointing upwards and to the right. Its shape is inherently aggressive, suggesting weaponry or a forceful imposition.
• The Antagonist: In the upper right corner, a small, grotesque caricature of a man, likely representing the White Man (or the bourgeoisie/capitalist), is depicted. He appears small, cowardly, and slightly mocking, overseeing the action with a detached air. He has a distinctive, almost insect-like or rat-like appearance.
• Text: The text is in Russian and serves to contextualize and strengthen the visual message, identifying the RSFSR as the origin and urging international workers to action. The rhyming caption is a direct and aggressive exhortation.

Subtexts:

• Revolutionary Force: The red gift is the force of the revolution, brought by the proletariat (the two working men) to overthrow the oppressive White Man, who represents the old order, capitalism, or foreign intervention.
• The Burden of Revolution: The act of carrying the heavy gift symbolizes the difficult and arduous struggle of the revolution. The contrast between the two men might suggest that not everyone is equally committed or capable of bearing this burden.
• Aggression and Threat: The bullet/bomb shape of the gift clearly signifies violence and destruction being brought to the enemy. Its not a benevolent gift but a revolutionary weapon.
• Dehumanization of the Enemy: The grotesque caricature of the White Man serves to dehumanize the opposition, making them appear less than human and justifying their forceful removal.
• Class Struggle: The poster is a direct representation of the class struggle, where the oppressed working class is rising up to defeat their exploiters.
• Propaganda for Action: The poster is a powerful piece of propaganda designed to rally support for the Red cause during the Russian Civil War. It frames the conflict as a necessary and righteous act of liberation.
• Symbolism of Suitcase: The captions use of suitcase (чемодан-чиком) instead of bomb or bullet might be an ironic or sarcastic choice, perhaps suggesting that what the White Man sees as a trivial burden or possession is, in fact, a deadly weapon of revolution. The phrase push this into the pan-faces forehead is a very direct and violent threat.

In essence, the poster graphically illustrates the Red Armys (or the revolutions) mission to deliver a powerful and destructive blow to the enemies of the Soviet state, urging the masses to actively participate in this struggle.