Artistic open letters of the Red Cross (L. Bakst) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a scene centered around two figures – a woman and a young girl – engaged in writing or preparing correspondence. The woman, positioned centrally and dominating the visual field with her height, is dressed in a long, dark coat adorned with intricate patterns of what appears to be gold leaf or embroidery. Her posture suggests a moment of pause; she holds a pen poised above paper, while glancing slightly away from the viewer. A sense of formality and perhaps even restrained emotion emanates from her expression.
The girl, situated closer to the foreground, is depicted in a lighter-colored dress with elaborate detailing around the neckline. She too is occupied with writing or drawing on a sheet of paper held in her lap. Her gaze is directed downwards, suggesting concentration or absorption in her task. The proximity of the child to the viewer establishes an immediate connection and invites empathy.
The background is starkly divided into blocks of color – a dark, almost black area behind the figures contrasted with a lighter, cream-colored space that serves as a backdrop for the text. This division creates a sense of depth while also emphasizing the central figures. The lettering itself, presented in both Cyrillic and Roman scripts, occupies a significant portion of the upper section of the composition, indicating its function as an advertisement or promotional material.
Subtly, the work conveys themes of charity, communication, and perhaps even generational responsibility. The presence of the child suggests the involvement of future generations in humanitarian efforts. The act of writing letters implies connection across distances – a vital concept for organizations like the one promoted here. The woman’s somewhat melancholic expression might allude to the suffering that necessitates such charitable work, while her dignified bearing underscores the importance and seriousness of the cause. The decorative elements on the womans coat could be interpreted as symbols of wealth or privilege, hinting at a call for those with resources to contribute to the well-being of others. Overall, the piece aims to evoke a sense of compassion and encourage participation in a humanitarian endeavor through an aesthetic appeal that blends formality with emotional resonance.