Measures 24" x 31 ½", comes on the original stretcher with corners reinforced by plywood triangles. This is one of the "stock" images of Stalin in his generalissimo uniform, approved for reproduction by a number of selected professional artists who had to acquire a special license for painting Stalin's image. This artist whose last name, Bykov, is written on the back, clearly was such a licensed professional who knew the traditional classicism-styled manner of painting Soviet leaders and had the talent to do an excellent job of it. The painting is dated February 15, 1954, three weeks prior to the first anniversary of Stalin's death.

In very good condition. It appears that, at some point, the painting was in storage face to face with another oil painting which left tiny spots of dark-brown and light-blue paint stuck to Stalin's face. There is also a 1-inch-long vertical slash in the canvas above Stalin's left shoulder. Luckily, it is not gaping wide and is not too intrusive and detractive. In the back, the canvas shows several brush strokes in white primer or paint, possibly the artist was just wiping his brush. Coincidentally, one of these brush strokes went over the slash, so, when the paint dried, it kept - and continues to keep! - the slash in the canvas closed.

Please note that the actual medal in our last photo is for visual size reference of the whole painting as well as to give you an idea about the size of the slash in the canvas.

Please note that the portrait will be safely packaged in a box and shipped as it is shown in our photos, i.e., on its original stretcher, not rolled.