Lenin Bust with Ushanka and Red Star: Iconic Soviet Symbol of Power and Legacy 

Made in U.S.S.R.  

!!! Ultra rare piece from our special collection !!!

Overview

This bust of Vladimir Lenin symbolizes Soviet history and captures the essence of one of the 20th century's most iconic leaders. Crafted from a silvery metal alloy, it features Lenin wearing a traditional Russian ushanka, adorned with a red star—a powerful emblem of communism and the Soviet Union. The detailed rendering of Lenin's stern features and focused expression emphasizes the powerful imagery typical of Soviet-era representations.

Product Features

• Sculptor: N. Batanov
• Date: 1982
• Material: Metal (silvery alloy)
• Size: Approximately 12 inches in height
• Design: Lenin in an ushanka with a red star
• Style: Socialist Realism, vintage Soviet collectible

Historical Context

Vladimir Lenin, leader of the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution, was instrumental in the founding of the Soviet Union. After his death in 1924, Lenin's image became ubiquitous throughout the USSR, immortalized in statues, busts, and various forms of propaganda. These sculptures were displayed in public buildings, schools, government offices, and homes, constantly reinforcing Lenin's role as the father of the Soviet state and the guardian of socialist ideals.

The red star adorning Lenin's ushanka symbolizes his leadership in the Communist movement, representing unity and loyalty to the socialist cause under his influence.

Cultural Significance

Lenin's busts were far more than decorative items—they were ideological tools. Commissioned by the state, Soviet artists and sculptors were tasked with creating idealized images of Lenin that conveyed his wisdom, strength, and unwavering commitment to the Communist cause. These busts were designed to inspire respect and devotion to Soviet ideology.

Often, Lenin was portrayed as a nearly mythical figure whose influence was both profound and enduring.

This particular bust is emblematic of the Socialist Realism style, the official artistic movement of the Soviet Union from the 1930s onward. Socialist Realism was meant to depict a glorified version of socialist life, focusing on heroic figures like Lenin, whose stoic demeanor in this bust reflects the ideals of leadership, vision, and strength that the Soviet state wished to promote.

Artistic Analysis

As a piece of art, this Lenin bust showcases the simplicity and directness characteristic of Soviet propaganda. The metallic finish, combined with the stark symbolism of the red star, adds weight and gravitas to the piece. It lacks the emotional nuance or abstraction seen in other forms of modern art, which is intentional—its purpose was to serve as a monument to the collective power of the state rather than as an expression of individual artistic creativity.

Compared to other forms of Soviet-era art, such as murals and posters that often depicted scenes of collective labor and industrial progress, this bust focuses solely on the idealized representation of a leader. Unlike the dynamic imagery found in many Socialist Realist paintings, which sought to depict the vitality of the working class, this bust conveys a static, enduring vision of leadership and ideological strength.

Today, this bust might be viewed as a collector's item, but it also serves as a powerful reminder of the Soviet era's intersection of art, politics, and ideology. Its minimalist design, combined with potent symbolism, makes it an iconic piece of Soviet memorabilia, appealing to collectors and those interested in the history of political art.

Hashtags

#LeninBust #SovietCollectibles #CommunistMemorabilia #HistoricalArt #SocialistRealism #RussianRevolution #LeninStatue #PoliticalArt #VintageCollectibles #SovietUnion