Boris Kustodiev, The Bolshevik (1920) Painting Poster

Please note, we also sell a framed version of this poster here on RUS & SOV. About the Painting The Bolshevik (Russian: Большевик) is a 1920 painting by Boris Kustodiev (Russian: Борис Михайлович Кустодиев). From the first days of the revolution, Kustodiev actively joined the ranks of artists who accepted new socialist principles into their work. His famous The Bolshevik, with its heroic elation and magnificent symbolism, is one of the best painted incarnations of the revolution there is. Kustodiev painted this masterpiece while confined to a wheelchair and only able to observe the revolution from his window. He wrote about his wish to participate, “I have never complained so much about my life, which does not allow me to go out - after all [such a ] street has to wait for centuries." In The Bolshevik, a giant figure seems to grow out of the midst of a crowd. His step is hug; his march invincible. The crimson color of the flag he waves peals triumphantly all around the painting, be