Le soldat et l'enfant - le communisme, c'est la paix ! Circa 1960

This striking poster from around 1960 was created by Victor Koretsky, one of the leading figures of twentieth-century Soviet propaganda art. Koretsky was known for combining powerful realism with emotional symbolism, creating images that communicated ideological messages through human relationships and expressive gestures.

The composition presents a Soviet soldier tenderly holding a small child in his arms. The soldier’s broad smile and relaxed posture contrast with the strength implied by his uniform and insignia. Rather than depicting military power or conflict, the image focuses on protection, warmth, and human connection. The child, perched comfortably in the soldier’s hands, looks down with a shy smile, reinforcing the feeling of trust and safety.

Beneath the image appears the Russian inscription “Коммунизм — это мир”, which translates directly to “Communism is peace.” This slogan reflects a key theme of Soviet propaganda during the Cold War: the claim that socialist ideology guaranteed stability, security, and a peaceful future for the next generation. By showing a soldier in a nurturing role, the poster reframes the figure of the military as a guardian of peace rather than an agent of war.

The visual language is characteristic of Koretsky’s work. The clean background isolates the figures, directing the viewer’s attention entirely to their interaction. Carefully rendered shading gives the figures sculptural weight, while the composition emphasizes the soldier’s protective hands and the child’s fragile presence. This contrast underscores the message that strength exists to safeguard innocence.

Your proposed French title “Le soldat et l’enfant — le communisme, c’est la paix !” works well as a descriptive translation. A slightly closer translation of the slogan itself would be “Le communisme, c’est la paix.” The original Russian does not mention the soldier or child explicitly; those elements are visual rather than textual.

Posters like this illustrate how Soviet artists used intimate scenes and emotional imagery to promote ideological narratives. Through a simple and universal image—a soldier protecting a child—the poster transforms political doctrine into a message about security, care, and the promise of a peaceful future.

Original Poster

War - USSR - Propaganda - Russia

Plate No. 14

Good condition