Workers and workers of all countries and oppressed colonies. Above the banner of Lenin. (Koretsky V.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a hierarchical arrangement centered around a monumental portrait dominating the visual field. The figures bald head and intense gaze command immediate attention, establishing a sense of authority and unwavering resolve. This central presence is framed by a group of individuals positioned at varying depths within the pictorial space.
Here we see a diverse assembly of workers – a European man in a cap, an African man with bare shoulders, a woman presumed to be of Eastern European descent, and another figure whose ethnicity is less discernible – all seemingly looking upwards towards the central portrait. Each individual is rendered with simplified features and robust physiques, emphasizing their physical labor and collective strength. They are united by a shared sense of purpose and aspiration. The red flags they hold serve as visual connectors, reinforcing the theme of solidarity and revolutionary action.
The artist employed a stark contrast between light and shadow to heighten the dramatic effect. The central figure is bathed in a bright, almost ethereal glow, while the workers are partially obscured in shadow, suggesting their subordinate position within this ideological hierarchy. This use of chiaroscuro contributes to an overall sense of solemnity and gravitas.
The text incorporated into the composition, positioned diagonally across the lower portion, reinforces the paintings message of international proletarian unity under Lenin’s banner. The Cyrillic script, while inaccessible to some viewers, adds a layer of authenticity and specificity to the work, grounding it within a particular historical and political context.
Subtly, the arrangement suggests a narrative of aspiration and leadership. The workers are not merely depicted as participants; they appear to be looking towards an ideal – a leader who embodies their collective hopes for liberation. This visual dynamic underscores the ideological function of the image: to inspire action and reinforce allegiance to a specific political ideology. The overall effect is one of powerful propaganda, designed to mobilize support and promote a vision of global revolution.