The Moscow kalatch is not of their batch… 1941

This propaganda poster was made by the collective of Soviet artists known as Kukryniksy during World War II. With graphic imagery, it depicts the aerial defeat of the Nazi Luftwaffe over Moscow. The poster uses stark visual metaphors to tap into deep-seated fears and national pride. The burning German plane, emblazoned with the Nazi swastika, crashes violently as its pilot plummets towards the ground. Searchlights illuminate the scene, emphasizing Moscow's resilience. The figures are rendered with a sense of almost caricaturistic condemnation, stripping the enemy of any humanity. This reflects the dehumanizing rhetoric often employed during war. The emotional impact of this work lies in its promise of retribution. It is not merely a depiction of destruction, but a celebration of Soviet strength. The poster plays on collective identity, reinforcing a sense of unity and defiance in the face of invasion.