Sleeves A.Victorson. Moscow. (Unknown artist) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The image is a vintage advertisement poster for A. Viktorson. Moscow. cigarettes, likely from the early 1900s. The central figure is a dapper man with a prominent mustache, dressed in a formal suit with a high collar and a red bow tie. He is depicted in profile, exhaling smoke from a cigarette held delicately between his fingers.

What I see:

• Central Figure: A stylish, well-groomed man with a confident and perhaps slightly arrogant expression. His attire – a dark suit, checkered vest, crisp white shirt with a starched collar, and a decorative red bow tie and boutonnière – speaks of affluence and sophistication. His impeccably styled hair and imposing mustache further enhance this image.
• Smoking: The act of smoking a cigarette is prominently featured, with visible smoke curling around his head and a glowing ember at the tip of the cigarette.
• Product Display: Several boxes of cigarettes, branded with A. Viktorson, are arranged around the man. These boxes are ornately decorated, reflecting the eras artistic style. Some boxes are hexagonal, others rectangular, showcasing different packaging designs.
• Branding and Text: The top of the poster features the words Гильзы А. Викторсон (Cigarette papers/tubes A. Viktorson) in large, decorative Russian script. Below the mans head, the word МОСКВА (Moscow) is visible, along with an address or description of their prominent location. There are also circular emblems on either side of the mans head, one featuring a profile of a woman and the other a coat of arms.
• Color Palette: The poster uses a warm yellow background, which makes the dark suit, red accents, and cigarette smoke stand out. The overall feel is rich and eye-catching.
• Bottom Text: Further down, theres a caption indicating 15. Unknown artist. Cigarettes A. Viktorson. Moscow. 1900s.

Subtexts:

• Sophistication and Status: The advertisement uses the image of a refined gentleman to associate the A. Viktorson brand with high social standing, taste, and elegance. Smoking these cigarettes is presented as a mark of being fashionable and successful.
• Masculinity and Charm: The mans confident posture, stylish appearance, and the act of smoking all contribute to an image of potent masculinity and allure. He is presented not just as a smoker, but as a desirable figure.
• Quality and Craftsmanship: The elaborate packaging and the detail in the illustration suggest a product of quality and care. The vintage style itself evokes a sense of tradition and established craftsmanship.
• Russian Identity: The Moscow designation and the use of Russian text firmly place the brand within a national context, appealing to a Russian audience and potentially signifying local pride or a connection to the capital.
• Aspiration: The poster aims to make the viewer aspire to the lifestyle and image of the man depicted. By purchasing A. Viktorson cigarettes, one could, by association, attain a similar level of sophistication and social respect.
• The Art of Smoking: The imagery elevates smoking from a simple habit to an art form, emphasizing the ritual and pleasure associated with it, as embodied by the poised figure.