Smoke Captain's cigars. (S. Sakharov) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

Here we observe a portrait of a man in naval uniform, presented against a stark, deep blue background. The composition is dominated by his face and upper torso, angled slightly towards the viewer. He wears a peaked cap adorned with a red emblem, suggesting affiliation with an official body or institution. A thick mustache obscures much of his upper lip, contributing to a somewhat severe and resolute expression. His gaze is directed forward, conveying a sense of determination and perhaps authority.
The lighting emphasizes the planes of his face, creating highlights on his forehead and cheekbones while casting shadows that deepen the impression of seriousness. The artist employed a limited color palette – primarily blues, whites, and flesh tones – which reinforces the formality and official nature of the piece.
Beneath the figure, bold Cyrillic lettering proclaims Smoke Captains Cigars, accompanied by an emblem featuring what appears to be a stylized ship’s wheel or anchor. The text is positioned centrally, drawing attention to the product being advertised. Above the portrait, in smaller font, are official-looking titles: “NARCOMPSHROM USSR” and “GLAVTABAK,” indicating a governmental agency responsible for trade and tobacco production respectively.
The subtexts within this work are layered. On one level, it is a straightforward advertisement promoting a specific brand of cigars. However, the choice to depict a man in naval uniform elevates the product beyond mere consumerism. The association with authority, discipline, and national service imbues the cigars with connotations of strength, reliability, and perhaps even patriotism. By aligning the product with these values, the artist aims to appeal to a sense of duty and belonging within the Soviet populace.
The overall effect is one of calculated propaganda – an attempt to normalize consumption through the visual reinforcement of state-approved ideals. The portrait’s formality and the presence of official titles suggest that smoking these cigars is not simply a personal indulgence, but rather an act aligned with national identity and sanctioned by the government.