Vintage Polish Posters | Boris Godunov | Czerniawski

“Boris Godunov,” a historical tragedy by Alexander Pushkin, delves into the tumultuous reign of the titular Russian tsar. Written in 1825, the play explores themes of power, ambition, and fate. Its intricate narrative and rich characterizations make it a cornerstone of Russian literature. The poster artist Jerzy Czerniawski, born in Poland in 1947, is a distinguished artist known for his impactful contributions to graphic design, illustration, stage design, and painting. He studied at the State College of Plastic Arts in Wroclaw and emerged as a significant figure during the Polish counterculture movement of the 1970s. Czerniawski’s work has been showcased in prestigious venues, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. His accolades include the Bronze Medal at the International Poster Biennial in Warsaw (1974), second prize at the Poster Biennial in Lahti (1977), and the Silver Plaque at the International Film Festival in Chicago (1981). His posters are celebrated globally, held in major museum collections and private collections alike, underscoring his lasting influence on contemporary poster art.