Untitled 1941

This print was created in the Soviet Union by the collective known as Kukryniksy sometime in the mid-twentieth century, using lithography or a similar process. What’s most striking here is the crispness of the line, which gives the caricature a sense of graphic immediacy. The artists likely used a grease-based crayon on a smooth stone, or a metal plate to create this effect, perhaps taking advantage of new techniques of mechanical reproduction at the time. The choice of printmaking is significant. It suggests a desire to reach a broad audience, disseminating the message of resistance and political commentary widely. The drawing has been enlivened by the integration of red, used to highlight the explosions as well as the Soviet Star, which is suggestive of the political leanings of the artists. The relatively fast reproduction methods, using cheap materials, allowed for mass production of these images to be circulated in print media such as magazines and newspapers. Ultimately, understanding the means by which this piece was made allows us to appreciate its power as propaganda, and also the incredible labor and skill of the artists.