MIKHAIL MIKHAILOVICH CHEREMNYKH (1890-1962) [DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT UPON THE APOSTLES.] 1930.
41 1/4x28 1/4 inches, 104 3/4x 71 3/4 cm. Izogiz, Moscow.
Condition B+: replaced losses, repaired tears, creases and restoration in margins, some affecting image; creases and restoration along unobtrusive vertical and horizontal folds.
"This state-sponsored poster . . . makes vividly clear the Soviets' continuing effort to discredit the major state enemies, Czarist officers and Russian clergy of all faiths. The top hat, symbolizing upper-class wealth, is dropping gold coins to the greedy priests, rabbi and Czarist officials. The words printed above the hat ... are ironic: they negate the sense of the quotation from the New Testament, Acts II, 'The Holy Spirit descends on the apostles,' sarcastically suggesting that priestly piety is a sham" (Magnes p.86). One of at least two versions, this one is the rare, larger lithograph. A smaller chromo-lithograph version exists from 1932. Magnes 35.