In May 2009, the Department of Prints housed an exhibition «The Road to Victory» which presented more than 50 original posters, and more than 70 cards, published during the World War II. The exhibition not only introduced World War II masterpieces of printmaking from the Library collections for a contemporary audience, but also visually demonstrated the most topical slogans, the most striking cries with which Soviet soldiers went into battle, died and defeated the enemy and, eventually, won a complete victory in the biggest and most tragic war in world history.
In 2010, the Prints Department held an exhibition «Congratulations on the Great Victory Day!» to mark the 65th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in the Great Patriotic War. It showed more than 60 wartime posters dedicated to the heroism of the army and those who served on the home front. On display also were dozens of postcards and "confidential letters" - folded letter sheets intended for use by military forces. In addition to the graphic materials, the exhibition featured frames of photochronicles.The main idea of the exhibit was the belief in the inevitability of victory over the invaders, the glorification of victorious soldiers.
POSTERS
I.Toidze The Homeland is Calling You!
S.Boim Fight the Enemy as Fathers and Elder Brothers - Sailors of the October Revolution - Did That
V.Vinogradov, Ya.Nikolaev To the Great Patriotic War
A.Kazantsev Revenge!
Kukryniksy Napoleon Suffered a Crushing Defeat. The Same Will Happen with the Arrogant Hitler!
V.Serov We Did Beat, Continue to Beat and Will Beat Forever
V.Serov Let's Defend Lenin's City against Fascist Barbarians!
V.Serov Let's Defend Leningrad
I.Toidze For the Homeland, for Stalin!
- M.Andreev. For Honour, for Motherland and for Freedom! Forward to our Victory!
- N.Kochergin. With Renewed Vigor, Work for the Front
- Unknown author. Soviet Pilots-falcons! Mercilessly Destroy the Enemy in both the Air and on the Ground!…
POSTCARDS
S.Boim Ded Moroz/Santa Claus/ Carrying New Year's Presents to the Enemy…
V.Vinogradov, Ya.Nikolaev To the Great Patriotic War
N.Kochergin Shoot at Fuel!
- E.Aslamazyan. A Member of the Voluntary People’s Police
- I.Astapov. To the Attack
- Yu.Vasnetsov. A Letter From a Brave Soldier Rejoices Dear Hearts…
- N.Kochergin. Rescue a Fellow Combatant!
- N.Kochergin. The End of a Fascist Battery
- P.Frents. A Bold Attack of the Red Army Cavalry