Criminels de guerre 1970

Created in 1970 by Soviet artist S. Raev, this stark and emotionally charged poster was part of the USSR's powerful visual response to global atrocities and American military actions during the Vietnam War. Produced in a Cold War context, it stands as a haunting example of how visual propaganda was used as a moral and ideological weapon.

The poster’s title, "Преступников – к ответу!" ("Bring the Criminals to Justice!"), is a direct and impassioned call for accountability. This work aligns with the Soviet Union’s broader campaign to denounce U.S. involvement in Southeast Asia and to position the USSR as a defender of oppressed peoples worldwide.

In a manner typical of late 1960s Soviet graphic design, Raev employed photomontage and minimalist abstract shapes to amplify emotional impact. The combination of real imagery and bold, block-like forms reflects a style intended to shock and provoke moral outrage rather than merely inform.

Distributed by the USSR’s state-run publishing houses, this poster was not intended for commercial decoration but rather for use in public spaces, rallies, schools, and workplaces—where it would function as both an artwork and an instrument of ideological messaging.

Today, Raev’s poster is a chilling reminder of Cold War-era visual rhetoric and remains a sought-after collectible for those interested in political art, propaganda history, and the visual culture of dissent.

Politics - USSR - Cold War - Russia

Good condition, slight creases