Igor Majstrovsky
Star Wars, 1990
Russian Film Poster
33½ x 21⅝ in. (85 x 55 cm.)
Not backed
One of the first big premieres of Western cinema in the Soviet Union, 'Star Wars' was finally theatrically released in the former USSR in the summer of 1990. One of...
One of the first big premieres of Western cinema in the Soviet Union, 'Star Wars' was finally theatrically released in the former USSR in the summer of 1990. One of four rare and sought after official theatrical posters designed by Soviet artists Yuri Bokser, Aleksandr Chantsev, Aleksandr Kulov, and Igor Majstrovsky to celebrate the premiere, this unique interpretation by Majstrovsky - known as the “puma head” style - depicts a panther-like Darth Vader with mini lightsabers radiating from his head and was reportedly used for the Russian premiere in Moscow. American publicity materials were strictly banned in the Soviet Bloc during the Cold War, allowing the artists to operate with total creative freedom from the demands of the big Hollywood studios, resulting in quirky and sometimes bizarre interpretations that often made little reference to the film. An example of this poster was auctioned at Sotheby’s in 2019 for over £10,000.
Provenance
Very Good (B+)
Not backed. One horizontal fold and one light diagonal crease, with minor surface colour loss to fold. Bumps to corners, a few nicks and creases to edges, one small tear to left edge, and the occasional light crease through image. A whisper of colour loss to edges. Image and colours otherwise excellent.