A great charity doll market. The price is from 1 ruble. (Bakst L.) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

Here we observe a vibrant poster advertising a charity doll market. The composition is dominated by two figures: a young boy and a girl, both rendered in a stylized, expressive manner characteristic of early modern graphic art. The boy, positioned on the right side of the image, leans forward with an almost frantic energy, his posture suggesting eagerness or perhaps even desperation. He extends his hand towards the girl, who lies prone on the ground, her body angled diagonally across the frame.
The girl’s pose is striking; she appears to be offering a doll, its red and white attire sharply contrasting against the muted tones of her skin and clothing. Her expression is difficult to discern definitively, but theres an element of vulnerability or resignation in her posture. The placement of her hand, seemingly presenting the doll, suggests a transaction, albeit one imbued with emotional complexity.
The text incorporated into the design reinforces this sense of urgency and charity. Bold Cyrillic lettering announces “Большой благотворительный базар кукол” (A Great Charity Doll Market), while Цена от 1 рубля (Price from 1 ruble) is prominently displayed, emphasizing affordability and accessibility. The location details are presented in a more formal script at the bottom of the poster.
The color palette is limited but effective. Warm earth tones dominate, punctuated by the vivid red accents on the doll’s clothing and the girls shoes. This contrast draws attention to these elements and contributes to the overall dynamism of the composition.
Subtleties within the image hint at deeper social commentary. The boy’s intense gaze and forward lean could be interpreted as representing a desire or need, while the girl’s passive posture might allude to societal inequalities or the vulnerability of children in need. The act of offering a doll – a symbol of childhood innocence and play – within a charitable context suggests an attempt to alleviate suffering through generosity and community engagement. The posters aesthetic, with its exaggerated forms and expressive lines, reflects the artistic trends prevalent at the turn of the century, while simultaneously serving as a powerful advertisement for a worthy cause.