Russian Graphic Design, 1880-1917

Art nouveau soap wrappers and opulent commemorative menus with Cyrillic calligraphy are among the striking objects reproduced in this comprehensive survey of pre-revolutionary Russian graphic design. Soviet authors Anikst, an internationally recognized graphic designer, Chernevich, a lecturer at the Moscow Polygraphic Institute, and the unidentified Baburina show how the explosive growth of trade and industry in Russia during the late 19th and early 20th centuries was accompanied by a surge of interest in design and print technology that stimulated widespread advertising. Five major stylistic themes include style Russe , using stylized peasant and art motifs; moderne , the term for Russian art nouveau; and the work of the neoclassical World of Art group. Commercial graphics reflected the era's vibrant, colorful mercantile activity. Free of political cant, the text acknowledges private philanthropic support of design and rescues from oblivion a crucial segment of the Russian visual arts heritage. (Oct.)