Stay. The last warning (P. Sokolov-Skalya) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a stark visual narrative centered around themes of warning and potential peril. A figure, rendered in a stylized, almost grotesque manner, dominates the foreground. He is depicted mid-stride, propelled forward with considerable force, his body contorted in an exaggerated posture suggesting uncontrolled movement. The man clutches a bottle – likely containing alcohol – raising it to his lips as if in defiance of restraint. His bare feet and partially exposed torso emphasize vulnerability and a lack of decorum.
Behind him, a figure in formal attire attempts to impede his progress, grasping at the first man’s shirt with an expression that conveys urgency and concern. The contrast between the loose, flowing garments of the advancing individual and the structured suit of the restraining one highlights a conflict between impulsive action and societal control.
The background is rendered as a dark, undefined space, contributing to a sense of isolation and impending doom. A precipice or edge is suggested by the angled plane upon which the figures stand, further reinforcing the notion of danger and irreversible consequences. The starkness of the black backdrop intensifies the drama and focuses attention on the central figures.
A bold, red word – стой – is prominently displayed in the lower portion of the image, meaning stop. This serves as a direct imperative, acting as both a visual anchor and a crucial element of the message. Below this, a longer phrase reinforces the warning.
The overall effect is one of cautionary urgency. The artist employed exaggeration and distortion to convey a powerful message about self-destruction and the necessity of intervention. The work seems to address the dangers of unchecked behavior – specifically, perhaps, the excesses associated with alcohol consumption – and underscores the importance of heeding warnings before irreversible harm occurs. The style suggests an influence from Expressionism or early Soviet propaganda art, utilizing simplified forms and heightened emotionality to communicate a clear social message.