Tobacco smoking is an expensive harmful business for health and austerity ... (Unknown artist) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The artwork presents a stark visual argument against tobacco consumption within a Soviet context. Here we observe a cascade of banknotes spilling from a partially visible hand, dominating the central composition. The currency is clearly identifiable as Soviet rubles, and their abundance underscores the substantial financial cost associated with smoking. A lit cigarette protrudes from the hand, acting as a direct link between the money and the detrimental habit.
The text reinforces this message through layered pronouncements. At the top, bold lettering declares Smoking tobacco is an expensive and harmful business for health and economy. Beneath that, a phrase suggests widespread dissemination of this sentiment across the USSR – “will be announced in the USSR (will be released into the air).” The words Hundreds of Millions of Rubles are prominently displayed, amplifying the economic burden.
To the right, a detailed breakdown of production figures from Soviet tobacco factories for 1927-1928 is presented: quantities of tobacco leaf, macaroni (likely referring to cigarette filters), paper, cigars, and cigarettes are listed with precise numerical data. This meticulous accounting serves not only as factual information but also as an indictment of the scale of the industrys operations and its associated costs.
A smaller inset at the bottom left references a textile factory’s initiative – Rationalization Station Tekstilist – which claims that 14% of working time is lost due to smoking. This detail introduces a secondary layer of critique, connecting tobacco use not only with financial loss but also with decreased productivity and wasted labor.
The overall aesthetic employs a propagandistic style common in Soviet art. The composition is designed for maximum impact and clarity, prioritizing the conveyance of a specific message over nuanced artistic expression. The color palette is limited to reds, yellows, and blacks, contributing to a sense of urgency and severity. The artist’s intention appears to be not merely to inform but to actively dissuade smoking through a combination of economic argument, statistical data, and visual symbolism.