Napoleon was defeated, so will be the arrogant Hitler! 1941

This lithograph by the Soviet artistic collective Kukryniksy juxtaposes Napoleon's defeat with the fate awaiting Hitler. Stark contrasts of black and white create a visually arresting composition, charged with political messaging. A dark, looming silhouette of Napoleon serves as a backdrop, setting the historical stage. In the foreground, a caricatured Hitler is impaled on a pitchfork labeled "1812," the year of Napoleon's disastrous Russian campaign. This pointed tool, wielded by unseen hands, pierces through Hitler, underscoring his imminent downfall. The jagged edges and exaggerated features create an unsettling effect, emphasizing the violent nature of the conflict. The choice of lithography, a medium known for its graphic power, reinforces the propagandistic intent. The artists use stark contrast to engage with a semiotic system of historical analogy, suggesting the inevitability of Hitler's demise by drawing parallels with Napoleon's defeat. The overall effect is a powerful and visceral statement about the perceived hubris of fascist aggression.