As evidenced by the paper tag of the approval certificate issued on November 25, 1969, by the Leningrad Chapter of the RSFSR Artists Union, this is a licensed and approved reproduction of one of the most widely known portraits of Lenin, reproduced from the original b/w photo. The portrait was done by a professional artist who had official permission to paint Lenin. His name is handwritten on the approval certificate, but not very legibly. Looks like "Balakhonov" but we are not 100% sure of the tail end of the name. However, he was an accomplished artist, as not too many Soviet artists had the permission to paint the Soviet leader. Lenin's portraits of this size and level of quality usually graced the wall behind the desk of a high-level Party bureaucrat. Unlike most of such portraits, this one is not in oil but in gouache on canvas.

In very good condition. The paint is not protected by any finish, and has acquired a few mild scuffs along the bottom edge. A 3"-long smear of what looks like off-white paint on Lenin's vest is unfortunate, of course, but can probably be removed if desired. Other than that, a close inspection reveals microscopic spots of dark paint but they are so small as to be almost invisible on this large canvas. The stretcher is original, the canvas is nailed to the stretcher, which is another sign of authenticity as staplers were not used in the 1969 Soviet Union.

Please note that the medal in our last photo is for size reference.

Please note: due to the large size of the painting, special shipping charges will apply, higher than our default USPS and UPS rates. If you would like to inquire about the shipping and handling costs prior to placing the order, please contact us with your shipping address.