Group of Fifteen Imperial Russian Anti-Semitic Propaganda Postcards Issued by the Journal Pauk
St. Petersburg: Journal Pauk, 1911. Item #1607
A rare and historically important collection of fifteen illustrated propaganda postcards and satirical cards designed by the Russian caricaturist Luka Timofeevich Zlotnikov, one of the best-known artists associated with the right-wing monarchist and nationalist press of late Imperial Russia. Most examples bear Zlotnikov's characteristic signature "Л. Зло" or printed attribution "Рис. Л. Злотникова".
The group documents one of the most controversial and revealing aspects of Russian political print culture during the final years of the Romanov Empire. Produced on the eve of the First World War, these postcards employ caricature, satire, and visual propaganda to promote anti-Semitic narratives popular among nationalist and monarchist circles of the period. Several cards reference contemporary political controversies, including the Beilis Affair, Jewish economic participation, revolutionary politics, and perceived threats to the traditional social order.
Among the more notable subjects represented are:
- Паукъ ("The Spider"), depicting a Jewish financier-like figure dominating a banking institution.
- Баронесса Ротшильд ("Baroness Rothschild").
- Проект памятника М. Я. Гершензону ("Project for a Monument to M. O. Gershenzon").
- Коммерческая тайна ("Commercial Secret"), referencing the Beilis case and contemporary anti-Semitic conspiracy theories.
- Иудейская национальная промышленность ("Jewish National Industry").
- Хирург ("The Surgeon"), one of the most graphic designs in the series.
- Берегись, русская деревня, на тебя ползет жиды! ("Beware, Russian Village, the Jews Are Crawling Toward You!").
- Партия К.-Д. среди своих поклонников ("The Constitutional Democratic Party Among Its Admirers").
Luka Timofeevich Zlotnikov (1878–1918) was a Russian artist, illustrator, journalist, and political caricaturist who worked under the pseudonym "Зло" ("Zlo"). He became widely known through his contributions to nationalist and monarchist newspapers and journals, including Zemshchina, Veche, and particularly Pauk, a publication devoted to political satire and aggressive anti-Semitic commentary. His drawings became some of the most recognizable visual expressions of the Black Hundred and ultra-nationalist movements active in the final years of Imperial Russia.
Zlotnikov was also involved in producing illustrations connected with the notorious Beilis Affair and collaborated with organizations promoting anti-Semitic literature and political activism. During the First World War he worked as an artist attached to military institutions. Following the Russian Revolution, his association with monarchist circles led to persecution by the new regime, and he was executed in 1918.
Condition varies throughout the group. Several postcards exhibit age toning, corner wear, light creasing, occasional foxing, and postal handling marks. A small number are postally used. Overall, the collection remains in very good condition.
*Historical Note: Offered strictly as historical material. The postcards contain anti-Semitic imagery and stereotypes reflecting the prejudices and political ideologies of their era. They are presented solely for purposes of historical research, education, and preservation and are not offered as an endorsement of the views they depict.
Price: $7,000.00