In stock · No. group 80
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RARE 1989 SOVIET ERA DIEGO VELÁZQUEZ INFANTA MARGARITA POSTCARD - AURORA PUBLISHERS LENINGRAD USSR
DESCRIPTIONThis exceptional Soviet-era art postcard features Diego Velázquez's magnificent portrait of the Infanta Margarita Teresa in her iconic pink dress. Dating from 1989 - the twilight years of the Soviet Union - it represents a fascinating intersection of Spanish Baroque masterpiece and late Soviet cultural production.
The vibrant color reproduction captures the young Habsburg princess (approximately 2-3 years old) in her ornate formal court attire with remarkable fidelity. The rich coral/pink dress with its elaborate gold embellishments stands in dramatic contrast against the deep red background showcasing Velázquez's mastery of color texture and royal portraiture.
This particular card was published by the prestigious Aurora Art Publishers of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) renowned for their high-quality art reproductions during the Soviet period. It features bilingual text in both English and Russian/Cyrillic indicating it was likely produced for international cultural exchange during the glasnost era.
According to the reverse text this portrait is housed in the Museum of Western and Oriental Art in Kiev (now Kyiv Ukraine). The card states the original artwork dates from approximately 1659-1660 measures 80×62.5 cm and is oil on canvas - information presented in both languages.
Notice how the card captures the delicate features of the young Infanta and Velázquez's extraordinary ability to render the sumptuous textures of royal garments. The princess's fair complexion blonde hair and the gold chain across her torso are all reproduced with remarkable attention to detail.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis postcard carries dual historical significance - representing both the artistic legacy of Diego Velázquez (1599-1660) Spain's greatest Baroque painter and court artist to King Philip IV and a cultural artifact from the final years of the Soviet Union. It was printed in 1989 just two years before the dissolution of the USSR during a period of increasing openness to Western cultural exchange.
The original portrait depicts Infanta Margarita Teresa daughter of King Philip IV of Spain and Mariana of Austria. She would later become Empress of the Holy Roman Empire through marriage to her uncle Emperor Leopold I. Velázquez painted several portraits of the young Infanta at different ages documenting her growth at the Spanish court.
Aurora Publishers was established in Leningrad in 1969 specializing in high-quality art books and postcards. Their works were known for exceptional reproduction quality even by Western standards. The presence of bilingual text reflects the late Soviet era's increasing engagement with international audiences.
The price indicator of '5 коп.' (5 kopecks) in the upper corner provides a tangible connection to the Soviet economy just before its collapse. This was the official price for the postcard in Soviet currency - now a historical artifact in itself.
CONDITIONThis postcard remains in very good to excellent vintage condition especially remarkable for ephemera that has survived over 30 years since the fall of the Soviet Union. The colors remain vibrant and true to Velázquez's masterpiece with the rich pinks golds and deep reds showing minimal fading.
There is light overall age toning/yellowing of the cream-colored card stock consistent with its 30+ year age. Some very minor foxing or age spots are visible upon close inspection primarily in the border areas but do not detract from the aesthetic appeal.
The card shows only minimal edge and corner wear with no significant creases tears or damage. All printed text remains clear and perfectly legible in both languages.
Most importantly this card was never used for mailing - it has no writing no postal marks and no stamps making it a pristine example.
AGE/ERAThis postcard dates precisely from 1989 as explicitly printed by the publisher on the reverse. This places it in the fascinating final chapter of Soviet history during Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership and the glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) period.
The mention of 'Leningrad' rather than St. Petersburg confirms its Soviet provenance as the city would not revert to its historical name until after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. The card is also clearly marked 'Printed in the USSR' in the bottom left corner.
The typography printing quality and card stock are all consistent with late Soviet production standards. The instruction in Cyrillic 'ОТПРАВЛЯТЬ ПО ПОЧТЕ ТОЛЬКО В КОНВЕРТЕ' (Send by mail only in envelope) was a common directive on higher-quality Soviet postcards intended to protect the image during postal handling.
RARITYSoviet-era art postcards featuring Western European masterpieces have grown increasingly desirable to collectors particularly those from the final years before the USSR's dissolution.
Each passing year these tangible connections to the late Soviet period become more difficult to find especially in unused condition.
The specific combination of factors - the Velázquez masterpiece Aurora Publishers' high-quality reproduction the Kyiv museum connection and the card's pristine condition - makes this an uncommon find for both art collectors and those interested in Soviet cultural history.
As relations between Russia and Ukraine have dramatically changed since 1989 postcards connecting the artistic heritage of these now-separated nations carry additional historical significance. The Museum of Western and Oriental Art in Kyiv continues to operate today as the Bohdan and Varvara Khanenko National Museum of Arts.
Cards like this one that span multiple collecting interests - fine art Soviet ephemera Spanish Baroque royal portraiture - are increasingly sought after as they appeal to diverse collector communities around the world.
COLLECTOR'S NOTEThere is something uniquely poignant about holding this Soviet-era art postcard produced just as the USSR was approaching its final days. This small piece of paper connects three distinct historical worlds - the Spanish Baroque court of the 1650s the late Soviet cultural establishment of 1989 and our present moment.
Imagine this card fresh from the printer in Leningrad prepared for sale to Soviet citizens or foreign visitors during those momentous final years of the Soviet Union. Through some miracle of preservation it has survived more than three decades in remarkable condition to find its way to you carrying with it the artistic vision of Velázquez and the cultural legacy of late Soviet publishing.
When you hold this card you're touching a tangible piece of history - not just art history but the complex geopolitical shifts that reshaped Europe at the end of the 20th century. The bilingual presentation itself tells a story of increasing cultural exchange during a pivotal moment in world affairs.
For collectors of European art Soviet ephemera Spanish painting or royal portraiture this card offers a meaningful convergence of interests. Display it alongside other art postcards to create your own curated gallery of masterpieces that span centuries and cultures.
SHIPPING NOTEBuy multiple postcards and pay only ONE low shipping cost! I'm happy to combine shipping on any number of postcards to save you money.
This historical ephemera will be shipped with utmost care in an archival sleeve between rigid cardboard to ensure it arrives in the same condition you see pictured. I understand the importance of proper handling for items that have already survived decades and treat each piece with appropriate conservation standards.
DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF BOTH ART HISTORY AND SOVIET HISTORY!Vintage Soviet-era postcards featuring Western masterpieces continue to disappear into permanent collections each year. This card perfectly captures the cultural intersection between Spanish Baroque artistry and late Soviet publishing during the final moments of the USSR.
As political circumstances continue to change in the former Soviet republics items that document the shared cultural heritage of this region become increasingly difficult to acquire. Secure this fascinating art historical document while you can!"
_gsrx_vers_1715 (GS 9.9.2 (1715))
Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.
Gosla Antiques & Collectibles