Issued by the Soviet Union in 1957, this 40 kopeck stamp honors the celebrated Russian stage actress Maria Nikolayevna Yermolova (1853–1928), a leading figure in 19th-century Russian theatre. The design features her dignified portrait in brown tones, framed by elegant purple drapery and classical ornamentation. The Cyrillic inscription reads “Выдающаяся русская актриса М.Н. Ермолова” (“Outstanding Russian Actress M. N. Yermolova”). This commemorative issue reflects the USSR’s tradition of venerating great cultural figures, particularly those who advanced national art and theatre.