Soviet Armenia

Sergei Dmitrievich Igumnov, 1930s

Medium: Offset/paper
Dimensions /: 91 H x 63 W
Country: Russian SFSR
Condition: B | Fine - Minor signs of wear

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"Soviet Armenia" (1934) by Sergey Dmitrievich Igumnov merges Art Deco aesthetics with Soviet propaganda goals in the interwar period. Commissioned by Intourist, the USSR's state travel agency, this lithographic poster offers a calculated balance between traditional Armenian symbolism and Soviet ideals of progress.

The composition hinges on a massive stone viaduct that frames the sacred Mount Ararat through its arches. A modern automobile speeds beneath the arches while rolling hills and distant settlements complete the scene. Igumnov employs Art Deco geometry: the viaduct's perfect curves contrast with the mountain's natural forms, while simplified shapes define the landscape. The colour scheme reinforces this contrast - deep blue-black stone against a golden sky, with the white peak of Ararat providing the focal point. The artist's technique creates a clear visual hierarchy that moves from modern foreground to mythic mountain backdrop.

Each element serves both aesthetic and political purpose, and the work achieves its impact through calculated visual hierarchy. At the heart of the composition is the iconic Mount Ararat, a symbol deeply intertwined with Armenian identity and history. Though situated outside modern Armenia's borders, Ararat is seen as the "holy mountain" of the Armenian people. In the aftermath of the Armenian genocide, it became a symbol of the nation's efforts to reclaim its "lost lands," now within Turkey. The inclusion of Ararat creates a sense of continuity with the Armenian past while subtly aligning this deeply national symbol with Soviet ideals. This arrangement perfectly serves Soviet objectives: acknowledging Armenian heritage while asserting Soviet power to protect and modernize it.

Sergey Dmitrievich Igumnov (1900-1942) was a key figure in Soviet commercial art during the 1930s. After studying in Moscow, he directed art production at the All-Union Chamber of Commerce, where he refined techniques for combining propaganda with commercial appeal. His posters featured in major exhibitions including "Poster in the Service of the Five-Year Plan" (1933) and the International Poster Exhibition on Trade, Industry, Tourism, and Sports. He died in 1942 while serving on the Stalingrad Front. His paintings and graphic works are in the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery and the Russian State Library.