Vintage An Ideal Husband Movie Poster by Wiktor Gorka, 1956

Although Western films were shown during the Soviet era in the Communist Bloc, American publicity materials were banned, allowing the state-commissioned artists to operate with total creative freedom from the demands of the big Hollywood studios, offering quirky interpretations which often had little reference to the film. One of the co-founders of the Polish School of Posters, renowned Polish artist Wiktor Gorka designed this charming poster for the first Polish release of the 1947 British film adaptation of Oscar Wilde's popular 1895 play 'An Ideal Husband', starring Paulette Goddard as the scheming femme fatale who attempts to blackmail a prominent politician and tarnish his reputation as 'an ideal husband.' A lavish and visually stunning adaptation of one of Wilde’s wittiest plays, the film featured costumes by the legendary Cecil Beaton and was the last to be directed by Sir Alexander Korda.

Conservation backed on linen with no restoration. Backing has smoothed and diminished one vertical and three horizontal folds, a few minor nicks and creases to edges and a tiny 0.25 in. tear to right edge. Light wear to crossfolds and a four inch diagonal double crease radiating from central crossfold. A few minor printing imperfections. Darkening to edges. Image and colours otherwise excellent.