About this poster:
This is a Soviet propaganda poster titled "The Church and Grain Procurement." The headline declares, "The struggle against religion is the struggle for socialism!" The artwork vividly portrays a conflict between the forces of industrialization and its perceived enemies. A procession of horse-drawn carts laden with grain moves towards a modern complex of factories and grain elevators, symbolizing the progress of the Soviet state. Opposing them are caricatured figures of a kulak (a wealthy peasant), Orthodox priests, a rabbi, and other religious leaders who are desperately pulling ropes to divert the grain supply, representing an attempt to sabotage the state's efforts.
The poster is a striking example of the Constructivist artistic style, characterized by its dynamic diagonal composition that creates a sense of tension and movement. It employs a limited but powerful color palette of red, green, and black to deliver its message with force. The figures are intentionally exaggerated and grotesque, a common technique in propaganda to demonize opponents and create a clear visual narrative of good versus evil. The composition effectively divides the scene into the organized, forward-moving path to socialism and the chaotic, destructive actions of its detractors.
This poster was created around 1930, during the Soviet Union's First Five-Year Plan, a period of rapid industrialization and agricultural collectivization. A central policy was state grain procurement, where the government collected grain from peasants to feed urban workers and fund industrial projects. The poster's text accuses kulaks of using religion to persuade other peasants to withhold grain from the state. It serves as a powerful piece of anti-religious and anti-kulak propaganda, aligning both groups as enemies of socialist progress and blaming them for agricultural shortages.
Explore the powerful visual language of Soviet-era design with this reproduction poster. Capturing the distinct artistic and ideological messages of its time, this piece offers a glimpse into a significant historical period. Professionally printed by Lumber City Prints on premium quality 230gsm Matte Photo Paper.
Please note: This listing is for the reproduction print only, frames are NOT included.
Includes the following reproduction poster:
More Posters Available:
About Lumber City Prints
Lumber City Prints produces fine art prints using archival quality inks and professional Canon and Epson print equipment.
Our collection of vintage images is carefully edited to repair damage, improve color quality, adjust size, and prepare for printing.
Our source images are at least 300dpi to produce each print as accurately as the original.
The resolution we print at is much higher quality than what is generally shown in previews.
Shop with Confidence
Customer service and satisfaction are our priority. Please contact me if you need any help with your order.
Interested in a custom order, different size, paper type, or gallery wrap canvas? Contact me with any requests.