What is a propaganda poster?

Propaganda posters were designed to present the public with a concept or idea in a single image with a brief slogan. The word propaganda is defined as information that’s biased or misleading but it isn’t always that negative, sometimes propaganda is used to rally people around a cause. On 1stDibs, find vintage propaganda posters from top sellers around the world.

Who made the WWI propaganda posters?

James Montgomery Flagg made the WWI propaganda posters. He designed more than 45 for the U.S. government. The most well-known is I Want You for U.S. Army, which shows Uncle Sam pointing at the viewer. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of James Montgomery Flagg art.

What was the most famous World War II propaganda poster?

Opinions on which World War II propaganda poster is the most famous differ. However, two posters introduced characters that would go on to become iconic. The first is "We Can Do It," featuring Rosie Riveter, who has become synonymous with women's equality. Another influential design is " I Want YOU For U.S. Army," with its bearded figure wearing a star-spangled top hat. The image gave birth to Uncle Sam, the well-known symbol of the U.S. On 1stDibs, find a range of WWII posters from some of the world's top galleries.

How many propaganda posters were made during World War II?

More than 200,000 propaganda posters were made during World War II. The Office of War Information (OWI) was responsible for hiring artists to design the artwork. Famous posters include “I Want You” for the U.S. Army, featuring the well-known Uncle Sam character, while the popular “We Can Do It!” design depicts Rosie the Riveter. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of World War II posters and other vintage and antique posters.

What is a vintage poster?

A vintage poster is a collector’s item — it usually refers to a piece of poster art that is at least 20 years old. These posters may range from $500 to $2,000 per item and can even be more expensive depending on subject matter, artist and other attributes. Shop a wide collection of unique vintage posters on 1stDibs today.

How do I identify a vintage poster?

To identify a vintage poster, feel the texture. Authentic vintage posters will usually feel similar to a newspaper, while reprints of originals will usually be on glossy paper with a smooth surface. An experienced art dealer or certified appraiser can aid you in dating posters. Shop a range of posters from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.

How can you tell if a poster is vintage?

To tell if a poster is vintage, first consider the paper. Due to their age, most vintage posters will show at least minor signs of wear around the edges. A poster that appears brand new could be a reproduction. Also, familiarize yourself with the type of paper used for poster printing during the time when you believe your piece may have been produced. For example, you'd expect an original poster from the early 20th century to feel like newsprint, so a glossy finish on a piece would likely indicate that it's a later reprint. Next, grab a magnifying glass and examine the image. If you can see small dots or pixels, your poster was likely produced with printers that emerged during the late 1960s. Vintage posters from the 1970s, 80s and 90s may still be authentic originals if you observe pixelation, but you wouldn't expect to see it on a piece that purported to be older. If you still feel unsure about the age of your poster, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage posters.

What art style are vintage posters?

The art style of antique and vintage posters varies greatly. During the first decades of the 20th century, posters reflected the Art Nouveau style. After World War II, the mid-century modern style influenced designs, and by the 1960s, Op Art and Surrealism provided inspiration for posters. Shop a selection of posters from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.

Are vintage posters worth anything?

Whether vintage posters are worth anything depends on the piece in question. The age, number of pieces produced, the maker, the subject or theme of the poster and its condition all play a role in determining the value. Because rarity and current demand also influence price, you may wish to work with a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer to determine whether a particular poster is valuable. The former is a big factor, as collectors are said to gravitate toward purchasing a rare poster even if its condition is less than mint. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of posters from some of the world's top galleries.

How can I tell if a vintage movie poster is real?

To tell if a movie poster is vintage, look at it through a loupe or magnifying glass. Older posters were created through a process that applies a solid color to the paper. Reproductions are often produced by a method that uses visible pixels. The size of the poster may also be a giveaway. Research to determine the known sizes of that particular poster will help in your research. Shop a large collection of vintage movie posters from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Vintage Propaganda Posters

Chinese Communist Posters

Original Soviet Poster

1940s Russian Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Metallurgist Seven Year Plan USSR

$1,639

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Metallurgist Seven Year Plan USSR

By Alexei Kokorekin

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Soviet propaganda poster - Metallurgists let's complete the seven year plan urgently!

Category

1950s Russian Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Propaganda Poster Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament Peace

$751

Original Vintage Propaganda Poster Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament Peace

Located in London, GB

Original vintage propaganda poster - Campaign For Nuclear Disarmament - featuring the bold text above and below the Nuclear Disarmament ND logo with the address below - CND 29 Great ...

Category

1980s British Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Political Propaganda Poster Africa Anti Colonial Cieslewicz

$1,844

$819

$1,298

$1,639

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Strengthen Power Economy USSR Koretsky

By Viktor Koretsky

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Soviet propaganda poster - Strengthen the Power of the Country's Economy by Skillful Management / Крепи, Хозяйствуя Умело, Мощь Экономики Страны!

Category

1960s Russian Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

$1,298

$2,391

$1,298

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Tennis Family Red Cross USSR Health

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Soviet public health and sports propaganda poster - Всей семьей / With the Whole Family - featuring three tennis rackets as a smiling family of stick figure characte...

Category

1970s Russian Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

1970s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

V. ElkinOriginal Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Train Driver Soviet Railway USSR, 1948

Unavailable

H 33.47 in W 22.45 in

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Train Driver Soviet Railway USSR

By V. Elkin

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Soviet propaganda poster - I will be a train driver! / Буду Машинистом!

Category

1940s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Propaganda Poster Socialism Wins Socialist Unity Party Germany, 1958

Unavailable

H 22.45 in W 11.03 in

Original Vintage Propaganda Poster Socialism Wins Socialist Unity Party Germany

Located in London, GB

Original vintage political propaganda poster - V Parteitag Der Sozialistischen Einheitspartei Deutschlands Der Sozialismus Siegt / 5th Party Congress of the Socialist Unity Party of ...

Category

1950s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Chinese Propaganda Poster Annihilate The Invading Enemy Soldier, 1970

Unavailable

H 30.32 in W 41.74 in

Original Vintage Chinese Propaganda Poster Annihilate The Invading Enemy Soldier

Located in London, GB

Category

1970s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Russian Soviet Political Propaganda Poster, 1975, Boevoi Karandash

Unavailable

H 26 in W 20.5 in D 0.5 in

Russian Soviet Political Propaganda Poster, 1975, Boevoi Karandash

By Boevoi Karandash

Located in London, GB

An original Soviet era political poster, one of a collection by the group of artists known as Boevoi Karandash (fighting pencil), dated 1975 that deal with the theme of religion. A b...

Category

1970s Russian Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Ash, Paper

Original Vintage Chinese Propaganda Poster China Army Target Practice Soldier, 1960s

Unavailable

H 30.71 in W 20.87 in

Original Vintage Chinese Propaganda Poster China Army Target Practice Soldier

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Chinese propaganda poster - Study hard and practice hard to improve your shooting skills - features a young soldier wearing a green military uniform and helmet reloa...

Category

1960s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Chinese Propaganda Poster Social Order Manners Public Transport, 1981

Unavailable

H 29.14 in W 20.87 in

Original Vintage Chinese Propaganda Poster Social Order Manners Public Transport

Located in London, GB

Category

1980s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Yan MingOriginal Vintage Propaganda Poster Criminal Activity Crackdown Law Police China, 1983

Unavailable

H 30.32 in W 41.34 in

Original Vintage Propaganda Poster Criminal Activity Crackdown Law Police China

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Chinese propaganda poster - Severely crackdown on criminal activities / 严厉打击刑事犯罪活动 - featuring an illustration of a police officer in uniform holding handcuffs with ...

Category

1980s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Chinese Communist Party Propaganda Poster Revitalise China, 1982

Unavailable

H 29.93 in W 20.87 in

Original Vintage Chinese Communist Party Propaganda Poster Revitalise China

Located in London, GB

Category

1980s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Soviet Union Propaganda Poster Women Solidarity Feminism USSR, 1973

Unavailable

H 32.68 in W 22.84 in

Original Vintage Soviet Union Propaganda Poster Women Solidarity Feminism USSR

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Soviet propaganda poster - For the solidarity of women of the world / За солидарность женщин мира!

Category

1970s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Chinese Propaganda Poster Military And Civilian Border Defense, 1962

Unavailable

H 30.71 in W 21.26 in

Original Vintage Chinese Propaganda Poster Military And Civilian Border Defense

Located in London, GB

Category

1960s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Paul ColinOriginal Vintage Propaganda Poster Electricite De France Paul Colin Modernist, 1950s

Unavailable

H 30.71 in W 23.43 in

Original Vintage Propaganda Poster Electricite De France Paul Colin Modernist

By Paul Colin

Located in London, GB

Original vintage propaganda poster issued by the French Electricity Board - Electricite De France Emprunt Pour La Construction Des Grands Barrages / Loan For The Construction Of Larg...

Category

1950s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Vietnamese People Grateful Lenin USSR, 1985

Unavailable

H 25.99 in W 18.9 in

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Vietnamese People Grateful Lenin USSR

Located in London, GB

Category

1980s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Propaganda Poster French Far East Expeditionary Corps Indochina, 1950s

Unavailable

H 18.51 in W 14.97 in

Original Vintage Propaganda Poster French Far East Expeditionary Corps Indochina

Located in London, GB

Original vintage propaganda poster for the Anciens du CEFEO et des F.F. d'Indochine (Corps Expeditionnaire Francais en Extreme-Orient CEFEO Forces Francaises FF) French Far East Expe...

Category

1950s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Chinese Communist Party Propaganda Poster Four Modernisations, 1982

Unavailable

H 29.93 in W 20.87 in

Original Vintage Chinese Communist Party Propaganda Poster Four Modernisations

Located in London, GB

Category

1980s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Soviet Food Propaganda Poster Fruit Vegetable Harvest USSR Art, 1954

Unavailable

H 33.47 in W 22.84 in

Original Vintage Soviet Food Propaganda Poster Fruit Vegetable Harvest USSR Art

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Soviet food propaganda poster - Accept the Harvest! / Принимайте урожай!

Category

1950s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Nikolai ZhukovOriginal Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Grain Farmer Government Bread USSR, 1947

Unavailable

H 31.89 in W 24.41 in

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Grain Farmer Government Bread USSR

By Nikolai Zhukov

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Soviet propaganda poster - First Bread Goes to the Government!

Category

1940s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Grain Farming Agriculture Field USSR, 1947

Unavailable

H 32.29 in W 24.02 in

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Grain Farming Agriculture Field USSR

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Soviet agriculture propaganda poster - We Will Not Leave Even One Grain in the Field!

Category

1940s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Unavailable

H 23.23 in W 33.08 in

Original Vintage Soviet Propaganda Poster Gagarin Storming Starry Ocean USSR

By Viktor Koretsky

Located in London, GB

Original vintage Soviet space propaganda poster - The country of workers and peasants is storming the starry ocean / Страна рабочих и крестьян штурмует звездный океан!

Category

1960s Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Paper

Alexei KokorekinOriginal Vintage War Propaganda Poster Soviet Sailor Fighters Fascist Enemy WWII, 1941

Unavailable

$1,828

$2,391

H 20.67 in W 13.59 in D 0.04 in

Original Vintage Poster To The West USSR WWII Soviet Soldier War Propaganda Art

Located in London, GB

Original vintage World War Two Soviet propaganda poster depicting a soldier using his rifle gun to break down an arrow sign - Nach Osten ?? ?????? (Na Vostok / To The East) - nailed ...

Category

1940s Russian Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Materials

Metal

Early 20th Century Vintage Chinese Poster

$150Sale Price|70% Off

H 28 in W 21 in D 0.1 in

Early 20th Century Vintage Chinese Poster

Located in Santa Monica, CA

This vintage poster from the 1930s melds the meticulous detail of traditional Chinese painting with the Craft of color lithography. These advertisement posters, depicting fashionab...

Category

Early 20th Century Chinese Art Deco Vintage Propaganda Posters

$2,500

H 69.69 in W 14.97 in D 14.97 in

Antique Real Size Human Skeleton

Located in Mexico City, CDMX

Circa 1950. We offer this Antique Real Size Human Skeleton. Made in resin and wood base.

Category

1950s Mexican Other Vintage Propaganda Posters

Materials

Resin, Wood

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Vintage Propaganda Posters For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a range of vintage propaganda posters for sale on 1stDibs. The range of distinct vintage propaganda posters — often made from paper, ash and hardwood — can elevate any home. Vintage propaganda posters have long been popular, with older editions for sale from the 20th Century and newer versions made as recently as the 20th Century. Art Nouveau and Mid-Century Modern vintage propaganda posters are consistently popular styles. Many vintage propaganda posters are appealing in their simplicity, but B. Reshetnikov, Viktor Koretsky and A. Grudinin produced popular vintage propaganda posters that are worth a look.

How Much are Vintage Propaganda Posters?

Prices for vintage propaganda posters can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, vintage propaganda posters begin at $249 and can go as high as $19,500, while the average can fetch as much as $1,314.

Questions About Vintage Propaganda Posters

What is a propaganda poster?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Propaganda posters were designed to present the public with a concept or idea in a single image with a brief slogan. The word propaganda is defined as information that’s biased or misleading but it isn’t always that negative, sometimes propaganda is used to rally people around a cause. On 1stDibs, find vintage propaganda posters from top sellers around the world.
Who made the WWI propaganda posters?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
James Montgomery Flagg made the WWI propaganda posters. He designed more than 45 for the U.S. government. The most well-known is I Want You for U.S. Army, which shows Uncle Sam pointing at the viewer. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of James Montgomery Flagg art.
What was the most famous World War II propaganda poster?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
Opinions on which World War II propaganda poster is the most famous differ. However, two posters introduced characters that would go on to become iconic. The first is "We Can Do It," featuring Rosie Riveter, who has become synonymous with women's equality. Another influential design is " I Want YOU For U.S. Army," with its bearded figure wearing a star-spangled top hat. The image gave birth to Uncle Sam, the well-known symbol of the U.S. On 1stDibs, find a range of WWII posters from some of the world's top galleries.
How many propaganda posters were made during World War II?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023
More than 200,000 propaganda posters were made during World War II. The Office of War Information (OWI) was responsible for hiring artists to design the artwork. Famous posters include “I Want You” for the U.S. Army, featuring the well-known Uncle Sam character, while the popular “We Can Do It!” design depicts Rosie the Riveter. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of World War II posters and other vintage and antique posters.
What is a vintage poster?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021
A vintage poster is a collector’s item — it usually refers to a piece of poster art that is at least 20 years old. These posters may range from $500 to $2,000 per item and can even be more expensive depending on subject matter, artist and other attributes. Shop a wide collection of unique vintage posters on 1stDibs today.
How do I identify a vintage poster?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
To identify a vintage poster, feel the texture. Authentic vintage posters will usually feel similar to a newspaper, while reprints of originals will usually be on glossy paper with a smooth surface. An experienced art dealer or certified appraiser can aid you in dating posters. Shop a range of posters from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.
How can you tell if a poster is vintage?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
To tell if a poster is vintage, first consider the paper. Due to their age, most vintage posters will show at least minor signs of wear around the edges. A poster that appears brand new could be a reproduction. Also, familiarize yourself with the type of paper used for poster printing during the time when you believe your piece may have been produced. For example, you'd expect an original poster from the early 20th century to feel like newsprint, so a glossy finish on a piece would likely indicate that it's a later reprint. Next, grab a magnifying glass and examine the image. If you can see small dots or pixels, your poster was likely produced with printers that emerged during the late 1960s. Vintage posters from the 1970s, 80s and 90s may still be authentic originals if you observe pixelation, but you wouldn't expect to see it on a piece that purported to be older. If you still feel unsure about the age of your poster, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable art dealer. On 1stDibs, explore a variety of vintage posters.
What art style are vintage posters?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023
The art style of antique and vintage posters varies greatly. During the first decades of the 20th century, posters reflected the Art Nouveau style. After World War II, the mid-century modern style influenced designs, and by the 1960s, Op Art and Surrealism provided inspiration for posters. Shop a selection of posters from some of the world's top galleries on 1stDibs.
Are vintage posters worth anything?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023
Whether vintage posters are worth anything depends on the piece in question. The age, number of pieces produced, the maker, the subject or theme of the poster and its condition all play a role in determining the value. Because rarity and current demand also influence price, you may wish to work with a certified appraiser or knowledgeable dealer to determine whether a particular poster is valuable. The former is a big factor, as collectors are said to gravitate toward purchasing a rare poster even if its condition is less than mint. On 1stDibs, shop a collection of posters from some of the world's top galleries.
How can I tell if a vintage movie poster is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To tell if a movie poster is vintage, look at it through a loupe or magnifying glass. Older posters were created through a process that applies a solid color to the paper. Reproductions are often produced by a method that uses visible pixels. The size of the poster may also be a giveaway. Research to determine the known sizes of that particular poster will help in your research. Shop a large collection of vintage movie posters from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.