Beware of the Mensheviks and Socialist-Revolutionaries: behind them are the royal priests and landlords.

This is a Soviet propaganda poster from 1920, titled Beware of the Mensheviks and Socialist-Revolutionaries: behind them are the royal priests and landlords.

What I see:

The poster uses stark, contrasting colors of black, yellow, and red to create a dramatic and alarming scene.

• Dominant Figure: A towering, dark, shadowy figure, almost amorphous, looms over the scene. This figure has a skull for a head and wears a crown, symbolizing death and a vanquished monarchy. Its bony hands claw outwards.
• Antagonistic Figures: Below and in front of the shadowy figure are three grotesque characters, depicted with menacing grins, sharp teeth, and red eyes.
  • One figure, on the far right, is dressed in a tuxedo and top hat, representing bourgeois or capitalist interests.
  • Another figure, in the center, is dressed in military regalia, adorned with medals and a sash, likely representing a Tsarist general or military leader.
  • The third figure on the left, also in a formal suit, is being pulled along by the others.
• The Victim/Symbol of the People: To the left, a solitary, gaunt figure in a suit and bowtie is depicted with a wild look and raised arms. This figure holds a red flag with the inscription ЗЕМЛЯ И ВОЛЯ (Land and Freedom), a slogan associated with revolutionary movements. This figure appears to be being ensnared or dragged by the more sinister characters.
• Background: A swirling, abstract background of dark shapes, resembling birds or flames, adds to the chaotic and threatening atmosphere.
• Text: The printed text at the bottom reinforces the visual message, warning against specific political factions and identifying their perceived hidden allies.

Subtexts:

The poster is a powerful piece of propaganda designed to evoke fear and distrust towards political opponents of the Bolsheviks.

• Demonization of Opposition: The Mensheviks and Socialist-Revolutionaries (ESERs) are portrayed not as legitimate political forces, but as puppets or fronts for the real enemies of the revolution: the old regime. The exaggerated, monstrous features of the figures representing them emphasize their evil nature.
• Association with the Old Regime: By placing the royal priests and landlords (represented by the skull-crowned figure and the military/bourgeois figures) behind the Mensheviks and ESERs, the poster implies that these factions are secretly working to restore the monarchy and feudal system, which the Bolsheviks had overthrown.
• Threat of Counter-Revolution: The overall imagery of a dark, looming threat and the snatching hands suggests that supporting these groups will lead to the destruction of the revolution and the return of oppressive forces.
• Mobilization and Warning: The poster serves as a direct warning to the working class and peasantry (symbolized by the figure with the Land and Freedom flag) to be vigilant and reject these factions, lest they fall under the sway of destructive forces.
• Bolshevik Hegemony: The poster implicitly asserts the Bolsheviks as the true protectors of the revolution and the only viable path forward, positioning themselves against these alleged enemies. The stark black and yellow colors can also be interpreted as classic danger or warning colors, further amplifying the posters message.