To help the victims of war! (Pasternak L.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The drawing presents a solitary figure, rendered in a stark and expressive style. The individual is depicted from behind, hunched over with their head bowed low, conveying a sense of profound sorrow or exhaustion. They are clad in military attire, identifiable by the uniform jacket and rifle held loosely in one hand. A bayonet is affixed to the weapon, adding a layer of potential threat or violence, though its presence seems secondary to the overall mood of dejection.
The color palette is limited primarily to shades of black, gray, and brown, punctuated by small splashes of red – likely representing blood or wounds – that draw attention to the figure’s suffering. The artist employed a loose, almost frantic line quality, contributing to the feeling of unrest and emotional turmoil.
Superimposed on the figure, occupying a significant portion of the right side of the composition, is text written in an elaborate, cursive script. It appears to be a call for aid, likely intended to solicit support for those affected by conflict. The placement of the text directly over the individual’s form suggests a direct connection between the suffering represented and the need for assistance.
The drawings subtexts are complex. While ostensibly a plea for humanitarian action, it also conveys a deep sense of disillusionment with war itself. The bowed posture and downcast head suggest not only grief but also perhaps shame or regret. The anonymity of the figure – we cannot see their face – allows them to function as a universal symbol of those impacted by armed conflict. It is less a celebration of military prowess, and more an exploration of the human cost of war, emphasizing vulnerability and despair over heroism or triumph.