/internal/media/dispatcher/52565/fullKrokodil (Crocodile), a USSR newspaper magazine, with Fidel Castro on the cover03/10/196312 7/8 × 10 3/16 in. (32.7 × 25.9 cm)NewsprintThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection2018.039.00010USSR newspaper magazine titled КРОКОДИЛ, which translates to Crocodile in English, published 03/10/1963.
Publication is in Russian and includes several cartoon drawings of perhaps a political nature along with written articles. Front cover features an illustration of a triumphant Fidel Castro standing up in a vehicle holding a bouquet of flowers in his left arm and waving his right arm in the air at supporters who are cheering from windows and balconies in the background. Cuban and Soviet flags are drawn behind the vehicle in the lower right corner of the drawing and some onlookers are also waving those flags on the left side of the image. A building is shown in the background with balconies and open windows. In the far background and upper right corner of the drawing are construction cranes. Several people are drawn standing on the balconies holding flags and flowers and cheering for Castro. Some of the balconies have red banners hanging off them; those read "Peace, May, Friendship". (May 1st in Soviet culture is like the American Labor Day. Thus, 'May' is a slogan that is often incorporated into celebratory occasions. The phrase that is usually used on May 1st is "Peace, Labor, May", but it was likely slightly modified for Castro's visit.) A large red banner is drawn across the middle of the illustration; it translates to "Welcome, Fidel". Beneath the illustration it says "Open House" in black text. The artist's name is printed in the lower right corner under the image: "E. Shukayev". The entire illustration is printed in grayscale with red, blue, and olive green colors accenting certain portions.
The cover has the title of the publication printed in olive green in large thick letters. The issue of this publication, No. 13, and date of publication, March 10, 1963, are printed underneath the magazine title in black ink. Issue is fifteen pages and is held together with two metal staples at centerfold spine.
This publication was printed as propaganda timed to coincide with Castro's visit to the Soviet Union.
Translation assistance for this object was sought from a native Russian speaker. (JM 08/16/2018)
Newspaper magazine is in ok condition. Staining on front and back cover; brown stain from unknown substance on windshield of car in illustration on front cover. Staples on spine are rusted. Corners of pages are slightly folded. Paper is torn at centerfold of spine in lower edge. Small tears in pages throughout. (JM 08/16/2018)Newspapers & Magazines6612825.876301752632.702565405156859MagazineUSSR newspaper magazine titled Krokodil, which translates to "Crocodile" in English, published 03/10/1963; cover features an illustration of Fidel Castro waving to crowds along a parade route.
The magazine is in Russian, issue No. 13, and is 15 pages. Its publication coincided with Castro's visit to the Soviet Union.
The cover shows a triumphant Castro. Cuban and Soviet flags are drawn behind the vehicle and some onlookers also wave those flags. Several people are drawn standing on balconies holding flags and flowers and cheering for Castro. Some of the balconies have red banners hanging off them; translated, those read: "Peace, May, Friendship". A large red banner across the middle translates to "Welcome, Fidel". Beneath the illustration it says "Open House" in black text. The artist's name is printed in the lower right corner under the image: "E. Shukayev".
Translation assistance for this object was sought from a native Russian speaker.
This image is not available online larger than a thumbnail to protect the copyright of its creator(s). For a more detailed examination of this item, please schedule an appointment in the Museum’s Reading Room.MagazinesCold WarRussiaCubaSoviet UnionCartoonPolitical cartoonsCastro, FidelКРОКОДИЛSoviet UnionThe dignified and heroic figure of Castro on the cover of this Russian publication is a far cry from the satirical representations of him in American publications (see 2000.043.0001, 2018.040.0001 and 2018.041.0001) from the same time period. During the height of the Cold War, one of the most common ways to downplay the potential threat Fidel Castro represented was to depict him as silly, a follower, or a blustering bully. It was far more common in America to see a caricature of Castro during those years than to see anything like this Russian depiction. - Lindsey Richardson, Curator of Collections