Original 1981 Soviet CPSU Congress Poster – "The Party of Lenin" – Artist V. Viktorov – Plakat, Moscow

Published in Moscow in early 1981 to mark the XXVI Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, this commanding propaganda poster arrives at the twilight of the Brezhnev era — a moment when the Party still projected ideological unity and unwavering progress with full ceremonial grandeur. The slogan across the composition proclaims ПАРТИЯ ЛЕНИНА — АВАНГАРД СТРОИТЕЛЕЙ КОММУНИЗМА — “The Party of Lenin is the Vanguard of the Builders of Communism” — reinforcing the foundational mythos that the Party remained the guiding force toward a utopian future.

The poster is the work of V. Viktorov (Valentin Viktorov), a distinguished Soviet graphic artist celebrated for his mastery of political poster design. Active throughout the mid-to-late 20th century, Viktorov was renowned for his sharp, clean typography and his ability to fuse traditional Soviet heroic realism with bold, stylised graphic elements. Published by the prestigious Plakat Publishing House in a print run of 370,000 copies, this large-format piece was designed for display in government halls, cultural centres, and public spaces across the Union. A masterclass in late-Soviet graphic minimalism, it trades chaotic revolutionary action for structural grandeur: a bold, deep-crimson banner emblazoned with a gleaming metallic golden profile of Vladimir Lenin, flanked by the imposing geometry of the Roman numerals “XXVI” and authoritative Cyrillic text. The muted cream background, rich crimson tones, and gold-leaf-style graphics effortlessly bridge historical propaganda and high-end retro modernism — a sophisticated statement piece for minimalist, mid-century modern, or industrial interiors.

Authenticity

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

Artist: V. Viktorov (Художник В. Викторов)
Year: 1981 (approved for print 4 February 1981)
Publisher: Издательство «Плакат» (Plakat Publishing House), Moscow
Origin: USSR (Soviet Union)
Print Run: 370,000 copies
Printing Technique: Offset Lithograph
Dimensions: 60 cm × 90 cm (23.6" × 35.4 in)

Condition

Overall: Excellent Vintage Condition

Wear: Minor soft handling creases along the margins and light handling wear typical for original paper stock of this era. Very minor softening at the corners and negligible crinkling at the top edge — completely hidden once framed.

Details: Colors remain exceptionally vibrant — the deep reds and metallic golds hold their original contrast well against the crisp cream background. Reverse is clean and unblemished with no tape marks or stains. Genuinely uncommon condition for a 45-year-old Soviet lithograph. Ready for custom framing.

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 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.