Proletarian army, go to the Soviets to choose! (Unknown artist) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

This Soviet-era poster from 1926 features a large, striking red hand against a dark background. The hand is depicted with its palm facing forward, fingers slightly splayed. The imagery is bold and graphic, typical of Soviet propaganda art.

The text at the top, ПРОЛЕТАРСКАЯ РАТЬ (Proletarian Army), in white block letters, identifies the intended audience and the revolutionary force being addressed. Below the hand, in similarly stark white lettering, is the imperative ИДИ В СОВЕТ ВЫБИРАТЬ! (Go to the Soviets to choose/vote!). This is further elaborated with specific dates below: 28.29.30 и 31 ДЕКАБРЯ (December 28, 29, 30, and 31).

Subtexts:

• Empowerment and Agency: The prominent, large red hand symbolizes the power and collective strength of the proletariat. Its a direct, assertive gesture, urging them to take action and participate in the political process.
• Call to Action/Voting: The direct command to go and vote! is a clear call to participate in elections for the Soviets, which were the governing councils in the Soviet system. This emphasized the idea that the power of the state rested with the workers and their representatives.
• Urgency and Importance: The specific dates highlight the immediate nature of the electoral process and underscore the importance of this participation. It implies that this is a crucial moment for the proletariat to exercise their political rights.
• Revolutionary Ideology: The poster is steeped in communist ideology, portraying the proletariat as the dominant force (army) and emphasizing their role in shaping the new Soviet state. The red color is a universally recognized symbol of communism and revolution.
• The Soviet System: The Soviets were the foundational political units of the Soviet Union. This poster promotes the legitimacy and importance of these bodies by framing participation in their elections as a duty of the proletariat.