Very impressive size: measures approximately 28" x 41". The poster was printed in Moscow by the Pechatnik Lithographic Printing House (specified in the lower left corner.) The vivid artwork depicts heroic workers rallying around the red flag and national border marker, assaulted by a motley swarm of Entente invaders of various races. The latter include soldiers in regular French and British army uniforms as well as colonial troops. The invading column on the background is carrying flags of Great Britain, France and United States. One can't help but notice that the fir

Very impressive size: measures approximately 28" x 41". The poster was printed in Moscow by the Pechatnik Lithographic Printing House (specified in the lower left corner.) The vivid artwork depicts heroic workers rallying around the red flag and national border marker, assaulted by a motley swarm of Entente invaders of various races. The latter include soldiers in regular French and British army uniforms as well as colonial troops. The invading column on the background is carrying flags of Great Britain, France and United States. One can't help but notice that the first in the ranks of the invading horde are "non-whites", an example of an expedient use of xenophobia by the ostensibly "internationalist" Bolsheviks.

The text on the right margin is headlined "We Shall Win!" It is a typical piece of Bolshevik propaganda imploring Russian workers and peasants to stand for their freedom against "world bourgeoisie " that subsidizes the invading armies - as well as White Army "mutineers" in the Kuban, Don and Siberia. The paragraphs in the end promise that very soon "our Red Army in union with workers of other countries who are already rushing to our help will crash all of its enemies. Then the red banner will fly freely not only over Russia but the entire world". The slogans at the end proclaim: "Down with the Oppressors! Down with the Predators! Death to All Who Dare to Raise Hand against the Workers' and Peasant's Rule! Long Live Soviet Russia and Her Red Army!"

In the bottom right corner under the slogans is information about the publisher: Agitation and Education Department of the All-Russia Bureau of Military Commissars. The bureau was formed in April 1918 as propaganda arm of the Bolshevik People's Commissariat for Military Affairs. It existed for only a year makes which makes it certain that the poster could be printed only from April 1918 through April 1919. To narrow it further, we believe the most likely timeframe is mid- to late-1918 judging by the specific areas of conflict mentioned in the text.

The poster is in good overall condition. The artwork in particular is very well-preserved; the colors are strong, not faded. The paper is not overly brittle and shows only minimal age toning. It is free of foxing or significant soiling, and although there are some faint water stains along the edges, they are not very noticeable or detractive. There are many small tears, mostly along the edges, some of which have been repaired by pieces of what looks like archival tape applied on the verso. The upper edge has three small repairs at the margin, none them affecting either the image or text. Although stable and ready for display in its current form, this rare and spectacular lithograph should benefit from being mounted on acid-free backing and professionally framed, preferably with UV-protected glass.
$1,500.00  Add to cart