Grandpa, smoke Narzan (Unknown artist) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

This vintage advertisement, likely from the late 19th century, features a heartwarming scene with a jovial, white-bearded grandfather figure, reminiscent of Santa Claus or Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost), embracing a smiling young child.

What I see:

• The Figures: The central focus is the close bond between the elderly man and the child. The grandfather has a kind, weathered face, a long white beard, and is wearing red. The child, with rosy cheeks and curly hair, looks up affectionately at the grandfather and holds up a small box.
• The Product: The box the child holds prominently displays the word Нарзан (Narzan). This suggests that Narzan is the product being advertised. The text above the figures confirms this, stating ДЕДУШКА КУРИ НАРЗАНЪ which translates to Grandfather Smoke Narzan.
• The Setting and Details: The scene is framed by a snow-covered winter motif with branches, holly berries, and small birds perched on them, evoking a festive, cold-weather atmosphere, typical of Russian winter holidays. The word МОСКВА (Moscow) at the bottom indicates the origin or main market for the product. The text also mentions Фабрики товарищества Слабай (Factories of the Slaba Company), identifying the manufacturer.
• The Text: The prominent text ДЕДУШКА КУРИ НАРЗАНЪ, along with 10 шт. 6 к. (10 pieces, 6 kopecks) suggests this is an advertisement for a type of cigarette or smoking tobacco named Narzan. The reference to Grandfather Smoke is a catchy advertising slogan.

Subtexts:

1. Nostalgia and Tradition: The portrayal of an elderly, wise figure with a child evokes a sense of tradition, family, and heritage. The grandfather represents wisdom and experience, while the child embodies innocence and the future. This imagery aims to connect the product with cherished values.
2. Warmth and Comfort in Winter: The winter setting, combined with the warmth of the embrace between the grandfather and child, suggests that Narzan brings comfort and perhaps a sense of well-being, even in the coldest of times. Smoking was often associated with relaxation and warmth in that era.
3. Aspirations of Quality and Affordability: The mention of a specific price (6 kopecks) indicates an attempt to appeal to a broad consumer base, implying the product is accessible. The company name Slaba might imply a connection to the Caucasus region, where the Narzan mineral spring is located, suggesting a link to natural resources.
4. Masculinity and Social Ritual: Advertisements for tobacco in this era often associated smoking with masculinity, relaxation, and social status. The grandfather figure could be seen as a representation of a mature, established man who enjoys this ritual.
5. Parental/Generational Influence: The image subtly suggests that the older generation (the grandfather) is associated with the product, and by extension, the younger generation (the child) is either accepting of it or is being introduced to its pleasures through trusted figures. Its a way of implying that the product is acceptable across generations.

In essence, this advertisement uses the powerful imagery of intergenerational affection and winter festivity to promote Narzan cigarettes, associating them with comfort, tradition, and likely a pleasant sensory experience worthy of sharing or enjoying.