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Soviet Era Poster 172 - Paper Poster

Soviet Era Poster 172 - Paper Poster

Regular price $19.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $19.99 USD
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Soviet Era Poster 172 - Design Description

This striking poster, designated as PP 172, is a quintessential example of Soviet propaganda art. Designed by Nikolai Petrovich Smoliak and approved in 1956, the poster's visual impact lies in its directness and symbolic weight.

Ideological Core

The poster's central design embodies the core message: the indissoluble link between Lenin and the Communist Party. The accompanying slogan, "When we say Lenin we mean the Party; when we say the Party we mean Lenin," is visually reinforced through the artwork's composition. The design effectively equates the veneration of Lenin with support for the Party, solidifying the Party's claim to legitimacy.

Visual Elements and Composition

The artwork, likely featuring a portrait or symbolic representation of Lenin alongside Communist party iconography, utilizes a bold and simplified aesthetic common to Soviet propaganda. The design is intended to be immediately understood and impactful, targeting a broad audience regardless of literacy. The use of strong colors, clear lines, and possibly a powerful depiction of Lenin himself would have been intended to evoke feelings of loyalty and unity.

Symbolism and Impact

The poster's widespread distribution, reflected by its significant print run, ensured its presence in public spaces, contributing to the constant reinforcement of the ideology. It played a critical role in promoting a unified Soviet identity and cementing Lenin's legacy into the collective consciousness. The poster's very existence exemplifies the power of visual propaganda in the Soviet Union to convey complex political messages with clarity and conviction.

Size
Paper

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Premium matte paper posters printed on museum-grade archival stock (175 g/m²). Designed for indoor display, these prints deliver precise color, fine detail and long-term stability — allow a small production tolerance of ±1/16".

These posters are printed on archival museum-grade paper that feels substantial in the hand and holds ink very well. At 175 g/m² the sheet is heavy enough to lie flat in a frame but still easy to handle when framing or mounting.

We print with pigmented, archival inks that emphasize tonal range and protect against quick fading. The matte surface soaks up light rather than reflecting it, which helps textures and subtle color shifts read naturally under indoor lighting.

  • Paper: museum-grade archival matte, 175 g/m² — sturdy, low-reflection surface for artwork fidelity.
  • Inks: pigmented archival inks for accurate, long-lasting color reproduction.
  • Finish: matte — reduces glare and keeps detail visible under common indoor lights.
  • Use: intended for indoor display only; avoid prolonged direct sunlight and damp areas.
  • Tolerance: small production variance (typically ±1/16") is normal; framers account for this routinely.

These posters work well in living rooms, bedrooms, studies and office spaces — anywhere you want printed art that reads clearly without distracting reflections. The matte surface is especially useful beneath spotlights or ceiling fixtures.

  1. Pick a spot: choose a wall away from long periods of direct sun and high humidity to keep pigments stable.
  2. Frame or mount: the paper’s weight pairs nicely with common frames and matting; if using a mat, leave a small gap to account for the ±1/16" tolerance.
  3. Arrangement tip: for groupings, place larger pieces at eye level and allow 4–6" between frames to avoid visual clutter.

Practical note: if you plan to float the print in a frame, check the frame rabbet size against the print dimensions and allow for the small manufacturing variance.

Keep prints looking fresh with light, occasional care. Dust with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. If a mark needs attention, dab very lightly with a barely damp cloth and dry immediately — do not rub hard.

Avoid ammonia-based cleaners and abrasive pads; they can harm paper and inks. For long-term preservation, consider framing behind glass or acrylic and keeping the piece out of humid rooms.

Posters are offered in multiple standard sizes. Listed dimensions refer to the print area (width × height). Because of the production and cutting process, expect a small variance — typically within ±1/16".

If matching multiple prints or ordering custom framing, measure the final framed dimensions and allow a small margin for this manufacturing tolerance to ensure a good fit.