Death to World Imperialism (Moore D.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The image is a vibrant and dramatic Soviet propaganda poster from 1919 titled Death to World Imperialism. The central visual element is a colossal, monstrous alligator-like creature with large, bulging red eyes and sharp teeth, lunging at a backdrop of a sprawling, smoke-belching industrial city. The city, depicted in silhouette with numerous factory chimneys, represents industrial power, and by extension, imperialist powers.

What I see:

• The Monster: The gigantic, grotesque creature is depicted in a reptilian green, its scales textured and its form menacing. It appears to be emerging from behind a hill or perhaps from the very foundations of the struggling city. Its mouth is open, revealing a cavernous interior, and its eyes are wide and bloodshot, suggesting aggression or perhaps distress.
• The City: A dark, imposing cityscape dominates the upper portion of the poster. It is characterized by a dense cluster of factories, each with multiple chimneys spewing thick, black smoke into the sky. The red accents within the citys buildings might symbolize the bloodshed or ill-gotten gains of imperialism, or perhaps industrial fires.
• The People: At the base of the poster, a crowd of people, seemingly ordinary workers and soldiers, are shown confronting the monster. They are armed with spears and banners and appear to be resisting its advance. Their faces show determination and defiance. Some figures are in more formal attire, suggesting intellectual or revolutionary leaders.
• The Sun/Radiance: In the upper left corner, a stylized sun or radiating symbol is visible, with concentric circles of red, yellow, and blue emanating outwards. This could symbolize the dawn of a new era, enlightenment, or perhaps the spread of revolutionary ideals.
• The Text: Large, bold Cyrillic text at the bottom of the poster unequivocally states СМЕРТЬ МИРОВОМУ ИМПЕРИАЛИЗМУ (Death to World Imperialism). Below this, the artists name Moor D. and the year 1919 are inscribed.

Subtexts:

• Imperialism as a Threat: The monstrous alligator is a potent symbol for world imperialism. Its monstrous, uncontrollable nature and its aggressive posture represent the perceived destructive and predatory essence of imperialist powers. It is depicted as a devourer, threatening to consume the world or its people.
• The Power of the People: The unified front of the people is presented as the force capable of defeating this monstrous threat. Their collective action, armed with rudimentary weapons, signifies the power of the proletariat and the masses to overthrow oppressive systems like imperialism. This aligns with Marxist ideology, which emphasizes the role of the working class in revolution.
• Industrialization and Capitalism: The depiction of the city with its numerous factories and smoke suggests that industrial power, when wielded for imperialistic gain (as represented by the monster), is a negative force. This contrasts with a future vision of industrialization used for the benefit of the people, a key tenet of socialist development.
• Revolutionary Struggle: The overall composition conveys a sense of urgent struggle and conflict. The clash between the monster and the people embodies the revolutionary spirit of the time, urging viewers to join the fight against perceived global oppression.
• Hope for a New Era: The stylized sun could symbolize a new dawn of freedom and equality, a future envisioned after the defeat of world imperialism. It suggests optimism and the promise of a better world emerging from the struggle.
• Antagonistic Symbolism: The use of stark contrasts in color and form – the dark, menacing monster and city against the determined, unified people and vibrant sun – amplifies the visual and ideological message of good versus evil, revolution versus oppression.

In essence, the poster is a powerful piece of anti-imperialist propaganda, using vivid imagery and symbolism to demonize imperialism and rally support for the revolutionary cause.