New money, standing firmly, will strengthen the economy of the village and the city. Burzhuy, say goodbye to the merry days – we will finally make solid money. (M. Cheremnykh) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The artwork presents a complex visual narrative centered around themes of economic transformation and societal upheaval. Dominating the composition is a colossal coin, its surface emblazoned with Cyrillic script indicating a value of One Ruble. This oversized currency serves as both a literal and symbolic representation of moneys power and influence within the depicted society. A robust figure, presumably embodying the working class or peasantry, firmly supports this weighty coin, his posture conveying strength and resolve. He is dressed in simple, functional clothing, contrasting sharply with the implied opulence associated with the currency he bears.
Flanking the central figure are four smaller vignettes arranged in a grid-like structure. These scenes appear to depict the decline of the old order – a world characterized by frivolity and indulgence – and its replacement by a new era of economic stability. One panel shows figures engaged in revelry, seemingly oblivious to impending change. Another portrays individuals struggling with debt or financial hardship. A third illustrates what appears to be a chaotic marketplace, suggesting instability and disorder. The final vignette depicts a scene of apparent prosperity, possibly representing the envisioned outcome of the economic reforms.
The color palette is deliberately restricted, employing a stark contrast between red, black, and white. Red, often associated with revolution and progress, highlights key elements within the composition, drawing attention to the central figure and the overarching message of economic empowerment. Black reinforces the sense of gravity and seriousness surrounding the subject matter. The use of white provides visual clarity and emphasizes the symbolic purity of the new economic order.
The text at the bottom of the artwork further clarifies its ideological intent: Burzhuy, say goodbye to the merry days – we will finally make solid money. This direct address targets the bourgeoisie, implying their displacement or marginalization in favor of a more equitable system. The phrase “solid money” suggests a move away from speculative finance and towards tangible economic foundations.
Subtly, the artwork conveys a sense of transition and potential conflict. While it celebrates the promise of economic stability, it also acknowledges the disruption and loss associated with dismantling an existing social structure. The sheer size of the coin, coupled with the figure’s strenuous effort to support it, hints at the immense burden – both literal and metaphorical – of building a new economy from the ground up. The overall effect is one of determined optimism tempered by an awareness of the challenges ahead.