For 38 million tons of oil with gas in 1941! (Burnt P.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The artwork presents a scene dominated by industrial infrastructure and transportation, rendered in a stark, stylized manner. A locomotive, heavily laden with what appears to be cargo, occupies the foreground, its presence immediately establishing a sense of labor and movement. Behind it, numerous oil derricks rise against a muted green sky, their repetitive forms creating a visual rhythm that emphasizes scale and production. A solitary airplane is visible in the upper right corner, suggesting technological advancement and perhaps hinting at broader national ambitions.
The color palette is restricted to red, black, and green, contributing to the work’s overall sense of austerity and purposefulness. The red highlights on the derricks draw attention to their function as vital components of a larger industrial process. The use of bold typography in the lower portion of the composition reinforces this message, proclaiming a significant production target – 38 million tons of oil with gas in 1941.
The subtexts embedded within the image are complex and reveal much about its historical context. Here we see an explicit endorsement of industrial output as a matter of national importance. The emphasis on quantity – the specific figure of “38 million tons” – suggests a deliberate effort to mobilize resources and inspire collective action. The locomotive, a symbol of both progress and heavy industry, is presented not as a romanticized element but as a functional machine contributing to a larger goal.
The airplane’s inclusion introduces an additional layer of meaning, potentially alluding to the nations military preparedness or its aspirations for global reach. Overall, the artwork functions as a piece of propaganda, designed to promote industrial production and instill a sense of collective responsibility during a period likely marked by significant challenges. The simplified forms and limited color scheme contribute to a powerful and direct message intended to resonate with a broad audience.