A reception given by the possessed commander-in-chief (The TASS Window №899 1944

Curator: Kukryniksy, the collective name for three Soviet caricaturists, created this powerful graphic work in 1944. It’s called “A reception given by the possessed commander-in-chief (The TASS Window № 899)." It’s a striking example of social realism used as propaganda during World War II. Editor: Right off the bat, it’s just unsettling. The stark monochrome and those grotesque, almost feverish lines – it screams anxiety and impending doom. Someone's having a really bad day, and you can almost hear the frantic scribbling of the artists as they worked! Curator: Precisely. This was a TASS Window, a series of propaganda posters displayed in shop windows across the Soviet Union. Its political commentary used art to bolster morale and demonize the enemy. Editor: Demonize is spot on! Look at Hitler—he's this lanky, almost spectral figure. And the general is upside down... it's all so absurd. It's like a twisted cartoon version of a war meeting gone horribly wrong. Are they supposed to represent his fractured state of mind, maybe? Curator: Yes, the caricature strips the Nazi leaders of any remaining authority, highlighting their perceived incompetence and psychological instability as the war turned against them. The 'possessed commander-in-chief,' note the title's phrasing, evokes a sense of madness. Editor: And the caption… wait, is that Cyrillic? What does it say? Curator: It's a short dialogue. The general from the Eastern Front asks, “What do we do now, Führer?” And Hitler responds, “Wait, let me gather my thoughts.” Editor: (chuckles darkly) Perfect. The artwork isn't subtle but still speaks to the power of satire during wartime. It’s pretty bold. I can imagine stumbling across this displayed so openly… quite striking. Curator: Exactly. Kukryniksy used accessible visual language to shape public opinion and galvanize support. Analyzing art like this through a socio-political lens helps reveal layers of meaning, demonstrating the deep links between art and ideological messaging. Editor: I’ll walk away with the chilling image of upside down leaders for sure. Now that is art imprinting itself on your memory! It's dark humour that stays with you, doesn’t it?