For the Motherland! (Kokorekin A.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The painting depicts a fierce Soviet sailor, a krasnoflotets, in the midst of battle, epitomizing courage and patriotism. He is wearing a traditional striped sailor shirt and a cap with the inscription ЧЕРНОМОРСКИЙ ФЛОТ (Black Sea Fleet). His face is set in a determined grimace, eyes focused on the unseen enemy. A bloody bandage is wrapped around his injured arm, yet he holds a grenade in his right hand, ready to throw, and a knife is readily accessible in his belt.
In the background, the destruction of war is evident with debris and smoke. To the left, the body of a fallen comrade, also in naval uniform, lies on the ground, underscoring the heavy cost of the conflict. To the right, more remnants of battle are visible, suggesting intense fighting. The foreground is dominated by the fallen soldier and the charging sailor, emphasizing the personal and immediate nature of the struggle.
The title, For the Motherland!, and the text below reinforce the propagandistic intent of the artwork. The inscription highlights the bravery of Soviet sailors, detailing a specific instance where one sailor and his comrades fiercely defended their position against overwhelming odds, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy. The painting serves as a powerful call to arms, glorifying sacrifice and unwavering dedication to the Soviet Union during World War II. The subtext is one of heroic resistance, martyrdom, and the ultimate triumph of the spirit of the Motherland against its invaders.