Emmanuil Noevich Yevzerikhin’s photograph, "Moscow State University on the Lenin Hills" (1950s), captures one of the Seven Sisters, a series of monumental skyscrapers constructed in the Stalinist architectural style during the post-war reconstruction period. Built as part of Moscow’s urban transformation under Joseph Stalin, the Seven Sisters symbolise the Soviet Union's ambitions for power and modernity during the early Cold War era. Blending Socialist Realism with elements of Art Deco, these buildings functioned as both practical spaces and powerful ideological statements.

The photograph highlights the Moscow State University building illuminated at night, its glowing façade standing out against the stark, dark sky. The central spire, crowned with the Soviet star, naturally draws the viewer’s gaze upward—a deliberate evocation of ambition and ideological supremacy. In the foreground, buses, cars, and pedestrians introduce a sense of everyday urban life, creating a vivid contrast with the monumental stillness of the building. This juxtaposition between grand Soviet ideals and the movement of modern urban development captures the duality of progress and propaganda. Through careful framing, Yevzerikhin ensures the university remains the central focus, reaffirming its symbolic status as a pinnacle of Soviet achievement.

Yevzerikhin’s technical mastery shines through in his use of light and shadow to accentuate the building's symmetry and ornate details. The black-and-white palette heightens the drama, emphasising the interplay of light across the structure’s elaborate façade, while the darker, more subdued foreground adds depth and contrast. The harmonious arrangement of architectural and urban elements results in a composition that is both visually striking and deeply evocative. This balance conveys not only the grandeur of the university but also the vibrancy of the surrounding urban landscape, offering a snapshot of Moscow in its era of transformation.

Emmanuil Yevzerikhin (1911–1984) was one of the most influential Soviet photojournalists, renowned for his profound documentation of Soviet life and the Second World War. Born in Rostov-on-Don, he developed an early passion for photography, which led to a distinguished career as a correspondent for Fotokhronika TASS. His wartime images, particularly those depicting the Battles of Stalingrad and Kursk, remain iconic for their ability to capture both the epic scale and human cost of the Eastern Front. Despite working under strict ideological oversight, Yevzerikhin’s work transcended propaganda, combining technical precision with a deep sense of humanity. His contributions earned him numerous honors, including the Order of the Red Star, solidifying his legacy as one of the Soviet Union’s most significant visual chroniclers.