Stalin’s cult of leadership went through different phases throughout his rule. Initially, during the 1920s, before he was secure in power, he had a modest image portraying himself very much as Lenin’s disciple. Lenin and Stalin were shown side-by-side, effectively demonstrating this.
During the period of consolidation, with purges taking place, Stalin was still seen as Lenin’s disciple but was now also a comrade-in-arms. Huge portraits of Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin appear on special occasions. In these early phases, Stalin was also seen as a man of the people, marching alongside workers or in the fields with peasants.
With Stalin firmly established in power, and pushing through the Five Year Plans, he was depicted as a strong resolute leader. History was reinterpreted in Stalin’s favour. His role in the Revolution and the Civil War is exaggerated and rivals were painted out of pictures. During this period, Stalin was portrayed as ‘the Helmsman’ steering the ship of state safely through troubled waters.
Then, with victory against Hitler behind him, Stalin’s image became almost god-like. He was seen as superior and apart from all others. During the celebrations for his seventieth birthday, a giant portrait of Stalin was suspended over Moscow and lit up at night by searchlights.
So, when you see images of Stalin, check them against these different phases.