We demand peace! 1950

This Soviet propaganda poster from 1950 by the artist Viktor Koretsky shows a strong worker standing in front of a large red banner with the slogan “Мы требуем мира!” which means “We demand peace!” The man is wearing work clothes and grips the flagpole firmly while his other fist comes down onto a table where a group of political and military figures sit in conference. Their papers and models of bombs and planes scatter across the table, symbolizing the rejection of war planning and militarism. The bright red banner behind the worker fills the background and emphasizes the power and unity of the people. The composition contrasts the confident worker above with the smaller, troubled leaders below to show that ordinary people have the real moral authority. This poster reflects the early Cold War period and presents the Soviet worker as the defender of peace and stability.