Large 1920s Russian Advertisement Poster

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(Gostorg – the main fur and raw materials office) ГОСТОРГ – главная пушно-сырьевая контора НКВТ

Extremely rare original vintage advertisement poster by Alexander Zelenksy for the fur and raw materials office.

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Alexander Zelensky’s Impact in the 1920s

In the 1920s, Alexander Zelensky’s graphics, featuring exquisite fonts and neoclassical postmodern patterns, became iconic. His work was highly sought after by both state and private enterprises. Moving to Moscow in 1929, Zelensky emerged as a leading figure in Soviet advertising.

The Rise of Soviet Export Advertising

The late 1920s marked the rise of Soviet export advertising, pioneered by organizations like Resinotrest and Mosselprom, and later joined by State Electrotrest (GET), JSC “International Book,” and Spiral Syndicate. Foreign trade posters by Zelensky and others showcased high-quality performance, distinguishing Soviet advertising internationally.

Despite a variegated style in 1920s advertising, it successfully blended the achievements of constructivist artists and followers of foreign trade posters with techniques from old Russian advertising. This advertising vividly illustrated production and trade growth, adorning shop windows with images of new Soviet goods. However, the triumph of advertising met an abrupt end in 1929 with the onset of the food crisis.

About Alexander N. Zelensky [Александр Николаевич Зеленский]

Alexander Zelensky, born in Astrakhan in 1882, was a prominent figure in constructivism. He studied at the Stroganov Central School of Industrial Art from 1901 to 1904, specializing in poster and advertising design for tobacco products until 1917. In 1922, he became the chief artist of the Leningrad tobacco trust, where he focused on trade advertising, labels, and sketches for tobacco products. His contributions extended beyond tobacco promotion, encompassing collaborations with Gostorg, the state trust of the sampling industry, chocolate factories, and film posters.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Zelensky transitioned to political and film posters. Notably, he gained recognition during the Russian Civil War for his impactful campaign posters, including the well-known “We will inflate a world fire on the mountain of all the bourgeoisie!”

In 1942, Alexander Zelensky passed away in Yoshkar-Ola, leaving behind a diverse body of work, inrcluding landscapes, paintings, and graphics. His influence in constructivism and dedication to various artistic endeavors mark him as a noteworthy artist of his time.

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Size: 107 x 77 cm

Condition: Wear and tears around the edges (up to 5cm) restored with paper repair tape, paper browning and foxing due to age.

Shipping: Free DHL shipping and taxes included in the price.