A Masterpiece
This painting is a masterpiece of Socialist Realism. Subject, content, composition, and quality all converge to provide an ideal portrayal of Lenin. He is depicted here speaking to a crowd about the future of the proletariat; Lenin is the definitive central figure with every other character’s gaze locked on him unless they are furiously taking notes. Ioganson’s painting has varying levels of realism with the climax on Lenin’s forehead and face producing a nearly photorealistic effect. The scene depicted was a pivotal moment in the history of communism and the Soviet Union, allotting the image an ideal level of significance. A balanced composition is achieved by a horizon line consisting of the uppermost faces of the audience; which Lenin bisects thereby further establishing himself as the central figure.