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Vintage Russian Cinema Posters Auction at Christie's

This week Christies will auction several lots of vintage Russian cinema posters including some of the art genre's most iconic works

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This post first appeared on Russia Insider


On Thursday June 4th Christie’s will auction a stunning selection of posters from the nostalgic eras of Russian cinema and politics. The highlight of this sale will be one of Russian cinema’s most iconic pieces of art from 1925, Anton Lavinsky’s Battleship Potemkin (estimate: £20,000-30,000).

These magnificent posters are part of a 40th anniversary of Christie’s South Kensington, and will include Russian avant garde film posters and political posters. Vintage poster specialist, Sophie Churcher discusses the feature piece, Lavinsky’s Battleship Potemkin, alongside other highlights of the event in the video below. 

<figcaption>Lavinsky’s Battleship Potemkin - CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015</figcaption>
Lavinsky’s Battleship Potemkin - CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

Fragment of An Empire

From Stenberg Brothers (Vladimir, 1899-1982; Georgi, 1900-1933), this work is a colored lithograph from 1929 that measures 37 x 24 in. (94 x 61 cm.) Lot 140 has an estimated price of between £7,000 – £9,000.

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FRAGMENT OF AN EMPIRE (1929) CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

Moulin Rouge

Lot 142 is also from Stenberg Brothers (Vladimir, 1899-1982; Georgi, 1900-1933). This lithograph is from 1929 as well. It measures 37 x 24½ in. (95 x 62 cm.), and is estimated to sell for in between £12,000 and £18,000. This is the first time this poster has been offered at a Christie’s auction.

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MOULIN ROUGE (1929) CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

Battleship Potemkin

Lot 151 is from the aforementioned Anton Lavinksy (1893–1968). This fascinating piece is another colored lithograph, created in 1925. The poster measures 28½ x 42½ in. (72 x 108 cm.), and is estimated at between £20,000 and £30,000. This is also a "first time" offering by Christie’s auction.

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BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN (1925) CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

Long Live the USSR 

This is an offset colored lithograph by Gustav Klutsis (1895-1938). Lot 153 was pinted by  Ogiz-Izogiz, Moscow, on two sheets, backed on linen and measureing 57½ x 41 in. (146 x 104 cm). Christie's estimates this poster's bid price will be in between £6,000 – £8,000. 

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Long Live the USSR (1931) CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

Long Live the USSR

Lot 154 by Gustav Klutsis (1895-1938) is anothe offset lithograph from 1931 measuring 57½ x 41 in. (146 x 104 cm.). Christie's estimates this wonderful poster will sell for in between £8,000 and £12,000. 

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Long Live the USSR (1931) CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2015

For more information about these amazing poster offerings, or to learn about Christie's 40th anniversary at South Kensington, please visit this link


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