The artwork titled “Watches” is a poster created by Alexander Rodchenko in 1923 in Moscow, Russian Federation. This piece exemplifies Rodchenko’s signature avant-garde style and belongs to the genre of poster art, which was a significant medium for communication and propaganda during that era.
The poster thrives on strong geometric shapes and bold typography, characteristic of the Constructivist movement. At the center is a large circle with the word “ЧАСЫ” (meaning “watches” in Russian) boldly printed across it. A triangle and a smaller circle overlap with this central motif, creating a dynamic interplay of forms. Surrounding this central figure are images of various watch faces, both pocket watches and wristwatches, arranged in a semicircular pattern. The watch faces are detailed and show different times, suggesting the diversity and selection of watches available.
The color palette is limited, mainly consisting of black, white, and red, which enhances the visual impact and readability from a distance. The use of Cyrillic text integrates the message with the design, which likely served a commercial or informative purpose, advertising watches. The phrase “в туме образоведыъ” means “in the Tsum Department Store,” indicating the location where these watches could be found. The text at the bottom, “МОЗЕРОВСКИМИ ЧАСАМИ”, can be translated as “with Moser watches,” pointing to the brand of watches being advertised.
Overall, the poster is a strong representation of early 20th-century Russian avant-garde art, reflecting the period’s propagandistic emphasis and the new visual language that artists like Rodchenko were developing.
