All-Russian Festival of Physical Culture 1927

This Soviet poster, created in 1927 by artist V. Pshenichnikov, was issued to promote the All-Russian Festival of Physical Culture held in Moscow from 20 – 28 August 1927. It celebrates the early Soviet emphasis on mass sport, health, and physical training as central to building a strong socialist society. At the center, a triumphant runner bursts through the finish-line ribbon, wearing an athletic uniform with a bold emblem. Behind him, a checkerboard field is filled with small silhouettes of athletes performing a variety of disciplines – running, throwing, jumping, and gymnastics – emphasizing the festival’s wide scope. A red band at the bottom features a stylized Moscow skyline and the festival dates, with German text “Sommerfest der Körper-Kultur,” underscoring the event’s international profile. The poster’s vivid colors and dynamic composition make it a powerful example of 1920s Soviet graphic design and a great addition for collectors of propaganda and sports memorabilia.