Zorko protect the socialist harvest (Govorkov V.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

In this Soviet propaganda poster from 1936, an old man with a white beard and a cap stands in the foreground, shielding his eyes with his hand as he gazes into the distance. He wears a work jacket adorned with a medal and clutches a rifle, symbolizing his vigilance. Behind him, a vast field of ripe wheat stretches towards the horizon, dotted with haystacks and a lone figure on horseback. In the background, a group of people are gathered on a wooden watchtower, also seemingly keeping a lookout over the harvest.
The posters title, Zorko Okhranyai Sotsialisticheskiy Urozhay (Vigilantly Guard the Socialist Harvest), inscribed in large red letters at the bottom, along with the artists signature and date, clearly conveys its message. The imagery suggests a nation united in protecting its collective agricultural bounty. The old man represents the seasoned worker and guardian, while the watchtower and cavalry on horseback further emphasize the theme of security and defense. The vastness of the harvest symbolizes the success and prosperity of the socialist system. The moon and stars in the upper left corner suggest that the watch is kept day and night, underscoring the importance placed on safeguarding this crucial resource. The overall tone is one of strength, duty, and collective responsibility.