Untitled (advertising display of Smirnoff Vodka) c. 1950

This advertisement display of Smirnoff Vodka was created by Robert Burian. It invites us to consider how commercial images can become deeply embedded in our cultural narratives. The Smirnoff brand carries a complex history, it originated in Russia, but after the Russian Revolution it was reborn in America. Its marketing often played on themes of royalty and exclusivity, evident in the crown imagery displayed here. One can’t help but wonder, what's being sold? Is it just Vodka, or a promise of a certain lifestyle and aspiration? As you consider the image, think about the way alcohol advertising often targets different demographics. How do images like this reinforce or challenge societal norms about class, taste, and belonging? What does it mean to consume a brand with a fabricated royal lineage? It's more than just a drink, it’s an identity.