Large poster agitating the masses to vote in the December 21, 1947 elections to all levels of Councils (Soviets) of Workers' Deputies, signed and dated by the author of the original artwork.
The poster measures approx. 85 x 60 cm (33 ½" x 23 ½"). Printed on thin paper, it appears to be rolled onto smooth Styrofoam backing and framed in modern times for preservation purposes.
The poster is an offset print of the original painting by B. Mukhin, made in 1947. Published by the "Art" State Publishing House, Moscow / Leningrad, 1947.
It should be noted that not very many public items with Stalin's visage survived the Khrushchev's purge of Stalin's personality cult.
In very good to excellent condition. Due to the large size, the minor bumps along the edges do not deflect the viewer's attention from the poster. There is also a rip at bottom center, glued to the backing and safe from further damage. The paper shows age-appropriate toning but the colors are bright and vibrant.
The composition is a perfect reflection of the propagandistic push of the Soviet government, accenting the unity of the proletariat (the urban scene to the left of the central banner) and the peasantry (the rural scene to the right), united by the two great leaders, Lenin and Stalin. Both the rural and urban scenes are festively decorated with red banners and flags, as was the tradition throughout the Soviet era.
On a more sublime level, the very purpose of this poster is a perfect example of Orwellian double-speak. Ever since the beginning of Stalin's rule and to the very whimpering death of the Soviet Union, the government-puppeteer sustained this rather schizophrenic dance of "elections" of the only candidate on the ballot. Everyone realized the fakeness of such "elections" but the same everyone still dressed up and went to the voting centers and actually dropped their pre-printed votes into the urns without even looking at them. Why? Two simple reasons: (1) fear of retributions, and (2) the lure of the buffet in the voting center where they could buy such rarities as cottage cheese, chocolate candies, milk, kefir or, if you are unbelievably lucky, a raw chicken or a kilo of bologna.
Please note that the pen in the final photo is for size reference.
Due to the large size, special shipping rates will apply. Please feel free to contact us to find out the shipping costs prior to ordering.
Item# 38536
$375.00 Add to cart
