Original 1982 Soviet Estonian SSR Poster – artist V. I. Kyunnap

This is an original 1982 Soviet propaganda poster from the celebrated Boevoi Karandash (Fighting Pencil) series, published in Leningrad by Khudozhnik RSFSR — one of the most respected Soviet art publishers of the era. Designed by V. I. Kyunnap (Vladislav Iogannesovich Kyunnap, 1923–1995), a prominent Soviet caricaturist and poster artist and a key member of the Fighting Pencil association.

The composition depicts two young Estonians in traditional folk attire proudly raising the flag of the Estonian SSR. Behind them, a stylised landscape lays out the pillars of Soviet-era development: heavy industry, hydroelectric power, and collective farming. The Estonian SSR state emblem appears in the bottom left corner; the iconic Fighting Pencil logo marks it as part of the series.

Released in 1982 during the late Brezhnev period — just before Perestroika — this poster was designed to project the integration and prosperity of the Baltic states within the USSR. Viewed today, it is a layered historical document: a piece of official Soviet optimism produced during a period of quiet tension in Estonia, less than a decade before independence. The Fighting Pencil series is well known among Soviet poster collectors for its consistent quality and strong regional character; Kyunnap’s work within it is particularly sought after.

Text on poster (translated from Russian, poem by G. Tumarinson): “Here next to us is history and the milestones of a new life… Though Estonia is small, the success is great!”

Authenticity

100% Guaranteed Original Vintage Poster — not a modern reprint or reproduction.

Artist: V. I. Kyunnap (В. И. Кюннап), 1923–1995
Year: 1982
Publisher: Khudozhnik RSFSR (Художник РСФСР), Leningrad
Series: Boevoi Karandash (Боевой Карандаш) — Fighting Pencil
Style: Late Soviet Socialist Realism
Size: 33 × 44 cm (13.0 × 17.3 in)
Medium: Offset lithograph on paper

Condition

Overall: Good (Vintage Grade)

Wear: Several small pinholes and light creasing — consistent with a poster that was publicly displayed.

Details: Colours and imagery remain clear and legible. Paper intact with no tears or losses.

This is an authentic vintage item. Please review the high-resolution photographs for a full and accurate representation. What you see is what you receive.

Shipping & Packaging

We handle historic paper with the utmost care to ensure it arrives immaculate.

Handling: Dispatched within 1–3 business days from our Sarajevo studio
Packaging: Rolled in acid-free tissue paper and shipped in a heavy-duty reinforced mailing tube — no folding, no creasing, no edge damage
Tracking: Fully tracked from our studio to your door
Standard delivery: Registered post (BH Pošta), arriving in 1–4 weeks
Express delivery: DHL Express available at checkout — delivery in 2–5 business days

International buyers are responsible for any applicable customs fees or import taxes.

Framing

Professional custom framing is available for this piece upon request. Contact us before checkout to discuss options and tailored pricing.

Want this design as a modern fine art print? View the framed reproduction here → or the unframed reproduction here →
Prefer an instant digital download? View the digital edition here →