Stalin poster of the week 104 (SPotW104)

*SPECIAL EDITION 101st ANNIVERSARY OF THE OCTOBER REVOLUTION and 2nd ANNIVERSARY OF THIS BLOG* Viktor Deni and Nikolai Dolgorukov, 1917 1934 raise higher the banner of Lenin – it carries us to victory!, 1934

Viktor Deni and Nikolai Dolgorukov (Дени, В, дени долгоруков, H), 1917 1934 raise higher the banner of Lenin – it carries us to victory! (1917 1934 выше знамя ленина – оно несет победу!), 1934

Two years on and many more to come. Thanks to all our readers returning every week.

All of notable graphic artist Viktor Deni’s poster work is recognisable due to its use of outline sketches rather than photographic or painted material, as are his collaborations with Nikolai Dolgorukov. The 1934 poster ‘1917 1934 Raise higher the banner of Lenin – it carries us to victory!’ shows Lenin as belonging to the past, while Stalin belongs to the here and now.

Lenin, cap in hand, is associated with the achievements of the past

A giant Lenin in the top left of the poster points the way forward, his hand reaching into the sky, which is filled with Soviet aircraft. Beneath Lenin is the Winter Palace with soldiers standing guard next to a large, antiquated cannon. Thus Lenin is associated with the October Revolution of 1917 and is credited with visionary foresight, foreseeing the industrial socialist future.


Beneath this is the poster caption with the years 1917 indicating the left half of the poster and 1934 leading to the right.

Stalin oversees the achievements of the present day in 1934

The right side of the poster is dominated by the figure of Stalin and a backdrop of massive industrialisation and construction. He smiles contentedly from behind a podium.

Jubilant crowds celebrate the 17th anniversary of the October Revolution and all of their achievements in this relatively short period

Beneath Stalin is a celebratory crowd carrying large red banners. The banner on the left reads ‘Long live the invincible Leninist party,’ while the one leading to the right is not wholly legible but is dedicated to a celebration of Stalin.