Smoke cigarettes Tutu. Nowhere, except in the Mosselprom (M. Bulanov) Soviet Posters (1917-1941)

The composition presents a dynamic figure in motion, seemingly propelled forward with considerable energy. A man, clad in a red jacket and heavy boots, strides purposefully across the frame, holding aloft a large cylindrical object – presumably a package of cigarettes – in one hand while smoking from another. His face displays an expression that blends joviality with determined focus.
The background is densely populated with architectural forms; stylized buildings rise behind him, rendered in a simplified, almost schematic manner. These structures are predominantly green and grey, suggesting industrial complexes or perhaps a nascent urban landscape. The perspective is skewed, creating a sense of depth while simultaneously emphasizing the forward momentum of the central figure.
Dominating the upper portion of the image is a bold imperative: КУРИ (KURI), meaning “Smoke.” This directive immediately establishes the purpose of the visual communication – a call to action directed at the viewer. The text below reinforces this message, explicitly identifying the product as ПАЧКА (PACHKA) cigarettes and linking their production exclusively to Моссельпром (Mosselprom), a significant industrial enterprise.
The color palette is vibrant and deliberately contrasting. The red of the man’s jacket draws immediate attention, while the yellow background provides a striking contrast that enhances visibility. This use of color aligns with the conventions of Soviet-era propaganda posters, designed for mass consumption and intended to be easily recognizable from a distance.
Subtly embedded within this seemingly straightforward advertisement are layers of ideological messaging. The man’s robust physique and purposeful stride convey an image of strength, productivity, and participation in industrial progress – values highly prized during the period. His movement suggests dynamism and advancement, aligning consumption with a broader narrative of national development. The exclusive association of the cigarettes with Mosselprom reinforces the idea of centralized production and state control over key industries.
The overall effect is one of energetic optimism, promoting not just a product but also an aspirational lifestyle intertwined with industrial labor and collective achievement.