Anti-Alcohol, Soviet Propaganda

This original Soviet anti-alcohol propaganda poster dates to the early 1970s, when the government was intensifying its campaign against widespread alcoholism and drunkenness. The provocative image shows a massive red fist crushing a green serpent, a reference to the traditional Russian expression “green serpent,” which had long been used as a metaphor for alcohol and its destructive effects. The imagery turns a serious public health problem into an instantly recognizable battle between good and evil. The red fist represents the power and collective will of Soviet society, while the serpent even sheds a tear as it is crushed beneath it. Below, the poster references actual government decrees calling for stronger measures against alcoholism, reinforcing that the campaign was backed by official Soviet policy. Alcohol abuse was viewed not only as a health and social problem, but also as a threat to workplace productivity and the broader Soviet economy. Produced as part of the Visual Agitation, Propaganda and Artistic Design series, the poster was inexpensive and intended for mass distribution, with its original price of just 48 kopecks printed on the sheet. Posters like this were displayed throughout factories, community centers, schools, and other public spaces, bringing government messaging directly into everyday Soviet life. With its bold symbolism and darkly humorous image of the defeated serpent, it is a particularly memorable example of Soviet social propaganda. Size: 17" x 25.5" Condition: Good, Age-appropriate wear, fading and toning. Wear and repaired tears along center fold. General border wear. Areas of amateur color touch up in center and lower right. Please use the photo zoom feature to get a better understanding of overall condition. *Additional photos available upon request.