As your five fingers you will know the animal world after visiting the zoological garden. Open daily. (D. Bulanov) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a striking visual advertisement employing bold graphic elements and stark contrasts. A close-up view dominates the foreground; it focuses intently on five fingers extending towards the viewer. The hand itself is rendered in a simplified, almost schematic style, emphasizing its functionality rather than any realistic detail. Each fingernail is meticulously depicted with a clean, rounded form.
The background is divided into two distinct zones. A large, circular area of deep red occupies the left portion, providing a dramatic backdrop to the hand. To the right, a rectangular block of black contains Cyrillic text arranged in a layered fashion. The typography is assertive and angular, contributing to the overall sense of dynamism.
The text itself provides context: it promises an intimate understanding of the animal world through a visit to a zoological garden, equating this knowledge with the familiarity one has with their own fingers. This unusual comparison suggests that experiencing nature firsthand can provide a level of comprehension akin to instinctive bodily awareness. The phrase Open daily reinforces the accessibility and invitation inherent in the advertisements purpose.
The artist’s choice of color is significant. Red, often associated with energy, excitement, and urgency, draws immediate attention. Black conveys authority and seriousness. This combination creates a sense of importance around the message being conveyed.
Subtly, the image hints at themes beyond simple promotion. The outstretched hand can be interpreted as an invitation to engage directly with the natural world, implying that knowledge is not passively received but actively sought through experience. The almost clinical depiction of the fingers suggests a scientific or educational approach to understanding animals – a desire for objective observation rather than sentimental connection. The overall effect is one of Soviet-era propaganda, aiming to encourage participation in public institutions and promote a specific kind of engagement with nature – one that prioritizes knowledge and accessibility over romanticized notions of wilderness.