Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 8

G. Komoltsev
1967 original Soviet poster by G. Komoltsev, titled American Democracy

1967

$2,368.81
£1,740.18
€2,000
CA$3,252.45
A$3,645.44
CHF 1,908.44
MX$44,982.52
NOK 23,973.53
SEK 22,566.70
DKK 15,218.52
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

The 1967 original Soviet poster by G. Komoltsev, titled "Démocratie Américaine," is a striking example of Cold War-era propaganda that reflects the intense ideological conflict between the United States and the Soviet Union. The poster critiques American democracy, portraying it as hypocritical and violent. This powerful visual commentary was produced at the height of the Vietnam War and during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, two major issues that Soviet propaganda frequently highlighted to criticize the U.S. G. Komoltsev, a Soviet artist, employed bold imagery and stark contrasts to make a political statement. The design of the poster features a fragmented American flag, with images that depict scenes of police brutality and military intervention, a visual representation of what the Soviet Union portrayed as the reality behind the American ideal of democracy. The use of red, white, and blue in the poster echoes the American flag, but the imagery contained within these colors tells a very different story, emphasizing conflict, oppression, and inequality. This poster was part of a broader campaign by the Soviet Union to undermine the global image of the United States by highlighting domestic issues such as racial inequality, protests against the Vietnam War, and civil unrest. Soviet propaganda during this period frequently contrasted the social upheavals in the United States with the purported stability and equality of the socialist system. Posters like "Démocratie Américaine" were distributed widely in Soviet territories and in allied countries as part of this ideological battle. The bold, graphic style of the poster is typical of Soviet propaganda art from this era, which often used simple but powerful visual elements to convey political messages. The contrast between the ideals of democracy and the reality, as portrayed by the Soviets, is underscored by the juxtaposition of American symbols with disturbing imagery. This approach was intended to provoke strong emotional reactions and reinforce negative perceptions of the United States among Soviet citizens and in the international community. Today, this poster is a significant historical artifact, reflecting the intense propaganda efforts that defined the Cold War period. It is also a reminder of how art and design were used as tools of political messaging, shaping public opinion and influencing the global perception of rival superpowers. Collectors of Cold War memorabilia and Soviet art view posters like this one as important pieces that encapsulate the era's complex and often contentious global politics. Politics - Cold War - Propaganda - United States Printed in Moscow
  • Creator:
    G. Komoltsev
  • Creation Year:
    1967
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 33.86 in (86 cm)Width: 23.23 in (59 cm)
  • Medium:
  • Period:
  • Condition:
    Good condition, slight creases.
  • Gallery Location:
    PARIS, FR
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU1792215016542

More From This Seller

View All
1898 illustrated program by Maxime Dethomas - théâtre de l'oeuvre
By Maxime Dethomas
Located in PARIS, FR
This exceptional 1898 illustrated program by Maxime Dethomas was created for La Victoire, a five-act tragedy by Saint-Georges de Bouhélier, presented at the legendary Théâtre de l’Œu...
Category

1890s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Jean Decroix’s 1964 original poster for the Emprunt SNCF
Located in PARIS, FR
Jean Decroix’s 1964 design for Emprunt SNCF predates his 1965 work, yet it already showcases a confident visual language steeped in the visual economy of the time. With sharp composi...
Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Darigo’s 1977 Bons SNCF Lots Kilomètres original poster
Located in PARIS, FR
Darigo’s 1977 Bons SNCF Lots Kilomètres poster embodies the fun and ingenuity that defined SNCF’s approach to customer engagement during the late 1970s. Through vibrant visuals and p...
Category

1970s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

1969 original poster for SNCF by Eric - kilometer lots
Located in PARIS, FR
Designed by the artist Eric in 1969, this promotional SNCF poster captures the spirit of leisure and movement in postwar France. Titled Gagnez Vos Voyages! Lots Kilomètres, the poste...
Category

1960s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

1892 illustrated program by Henri-Gabriel Ibels for the Théâtre libre
Located in PARIS, FR
This striking 1892 illustrated program by Henri-Gabriel Ibels represents a rare surviving artifact from the golden age of Le Théâtre Libre, the pioneering independent theatre led by ...
Category

1890s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

1943 original wartime poster by C.C. Beall - Dare you to say or think...
By C.C. Beall
Located in PARIS, FR
This 1943 original wartime poster by illustrator C.C. Beall is a searing psychological appeal rendered in oil and urgency. Created during the height of World War II, the image confro...
Category

1940s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

You May Also Like

Joan Miró - MARAVILLAS CON VARIACIONES... Lithograph Contemporary Art Abstract
By Joan Miró
Located in Madrid, Madrid
Joan Miró - Maravillas con variaciones acrósticas en el jardín de Miró VII Date of creation: 1975 Medium: Lithograph on Gvarro paper Edition: 1500 Size: 49,5 x 71 cm Observations: Li...
Category

1970s Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

René Magritte - LA VALSE HESITATION. Limited Surrealism French Contemporary
By (after) René Magritte
Located in Madrid, Madrid
René Magritte - LA VALSE HESITATION, 1950 (THE HESITATION WALTZ) Date of creation: 2010 Medium: Lithograph on BFK Rives Paper Edition number: 131/275 Size: 60 x 45 cm Condition: New,...
Category

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Figurative Prints

Materials

Paper, Lithograph

Geometric Abstract Cast Paper Print in Soft Earth Tones Textured Signed Art
By Paul Maxwell
Located in Austin, TX
23 x 22 inch. Handmade Paper, Textured Lithograph. Signed in Pencil: Bottom Right. Numbered in Pencil: Bottom Left "111/150" A meditative and serene, abstract piece made of a combin...
Category

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Materials

Handmade Paper, Lithograph

Donald Duck (The Complete Set of 4 Hand-Signed Color Lithographs) by Peter Max
By Peter Max
Located in Montreal, Quebec
-- Artwork comes with a certificate of authenticity for the suite -- Signed and numbered by Peter Max --Limited Edition Lithograph, Edition 114/500
Category

1990s Pop Art Prints and Multiples

Materials

Archival Paper, Lithograph

Hunt Rendez Vous - Limited Edition Serigraph by LeRoy Neiman
By LeRoy Neiman
Located in Montreal, Quebec
-- Hunt Rendez Vous by LeRoy Neiman -- Artwork is hand-signed and numbered by the LeRoy Neiman -- Comes with a certificate of authenticity -- Comes with a high quality frame
Category

1990s Pop Art Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Archival Paper

“Paris, Place du Tertre”
Located in Southampton, NY
Original hand colored lithograph by the French artist, Maurice Jacque of the Place du Tertre in Montmartre Paris, France. Signed in lower right margin. Titled in lower left margin. ...
Category

Early 1900s Academic Landscape Prints

Materials

Archival Paper, Lithograph