Pavel Petrovich Sokolov-Skalia
(Born Strel'nia, 1899; died Moscow, 1961)
Litbrigade
(Russian, founded 1941)

The Feat of Captain Gastello, TASS No. 0063, July 14, 1941

Gouache, tempera, or posters paint over freehand graphite with minimal traces of carbon-transfer drawing
1240 x 880 mm (text panel is missing)
When his fuel tank's aflame, when there is no salvation,
When the seconds of his life are numbered,
His last second is for victory,
His last breath is for his country!

His obedient machine will not let him down,
Like a bomb on its target, like a torch it will fall.
And into the midst of tanks, gunpowder, and fuel
He throws himself and his airplane.

A hit, an explosion! The Fascists flee crying,
The fire catches them on the run.
Thus dies the citizen-warrior,
His very death bringing death to the enemy.
The Museum of Modern Art, New York, P402