If tomorrow the war ... (Koretsky V.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The artwork presents a stark and emotionally charged scene, dominated by a central male figure positioned against a monumental backdrop of a red flag. The man, presumably a civilian ready for military service, holds a rifle with a determined gaze directed upwards and slightly off-center. His posture conveys readiness and resolve; the angle of his body suggests an imminent action or response to an unseen threat. He is clad in simple workwear – overalls and a light shirt – which emphasizes his role as an ordinary citizen prepared for extraordinary circumstances.
The flag, occupying a significant portion of the composition, serves not only as a national symbol but also as a visual amplifier of the man’s intensity. Its folds create dynamic lines that draw the viewers eye towards the figure and reinforce the sense of urgency. The color red itself carries connotations of revolution, sacrifice, and impending conflict.
Below the central figure, a crowd is faintly discernible in the background, rendered in a less detailed manner than the protagonist. This suggests their collective support or passive participation in the unfolding situation, while simultaneously highlighting the individual’s responsibility and potential heroism. The indistinctness of the group also implies that the burden of defense falls largely on those willing to step forward.
The Cyrillic text at the bottom of the image – Если завтра война... (If tomorrow there is war...) – directly addresses the viewer, creating a sense of immediacy and personal involvement. It functions as both a warning and a call to action, reinforcing the overall message of preparedness and patriotic duty.
Subtly, the work explores themes of individual responsibility within a collective crisis. The artist seems to be conveying not just a depiction of military readiness but also an emotional appeal for unity and resilience in the face of potential conflict. The simplicity of the composition and the directness of the gaze contribute to a powerful sense of realism and urgency, intended to resonate with the viewer on a visceral level.