Chocolate. Trading House D. Kromsky. Kharkiv. ( Unknown artist ) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition centers around a young child, seated and positioned prominently within a decorative frame. The infant is clad in a simple white garment, revealing chubby limbs and suggesting vulnerability. A significant portion of their face and chest are smeared with chocolate, indicating recent indulgence. The child’s gaze is directed outward, seemingly towards the viewer, creating an immediate connection.
The artist employed a palette dominated by warm tones – reds, yellows, and browns – which contribute to a sense of richness and appeal. These colors are particularly evident in the ornate border that surrounds the central figure, drawing attention to the child while simultaneously establishing a formal structure for the image. The Cyrillic script at the top proclaims the product being advertised, while text at the bottom identifies the trading house and its location.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of a child enjoying chocolate, several subtexts emerge. The use of an infant as the central figure is likely intended to evoke feelings of innocence, purity, and universal appeal. Chocolate consumption is presented not merely as a treat but as something inherently linked with childhood joy and delight. This strategy aims to associate the product with positive emotions and familial values.
The child’s slightly disheveled appearance – the chocolate smudges – could be interpreted in multiple ways. It might suggest uninhibited pleasure, a lack of restraint that is permissible within the context of childhood. Alternatively, it could subtly imply the indulgent nature of the product itself – something so desirable that even a young child cannot resist its allure.
The overall effect is one of calculated charm. The artist has skillfully combined visual appeal with suggestive symbolism to create an advertisement designed to resonate with consumers on both emotional and aspirational levels.