Photographing, Exploring and Exhibiting Russian Turkestan: Central Asia on Display

This book explores the role of photography in the Russian colonial presence in Central Asia, examining the technical, commercial, and artistic milieus during the Golden Age of Russian orientalism. It will be of interest to scholars in art history, history of photography, and Russian studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

From the very outset of Russia's colonial presence in Central Asia, photography played a pivotal role, intricately intertwined with the Orientalist legacy that followed. Inessa Kouteinikova delves into these previously overlooked materials, while also exploring the photographic market, reception, and impact within the Russian Empire. She examines the role of the popular press, public exhibitions, and the emergence of the first ethnographic museums that sprouted from Moscow to Tashkent during the era of the Russian conquest. This book adopts a prevailing approach to depicting the newly acquired colonial territories in mid-late-19th-century Russia, shedding light on the technical, commercial, and artistic milieus during the Golden Age of Russian Orientalism.

This comprehensive work will appeal to scholars engaged in art history, photography history, and Russian studies. It offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between photography, representation, and the construction of colonial identities in 19th-century Russia. By examining these under-studied materials and their broader context, Kouteinikova contributes to our understanding of the visual culture of the Russian Empire and its impact on the region.

The book's rich content and detailed analysis make it an essential resource for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of photography, history, and culture. Its interdisciplinary approach provides a fresh perspective on a significant period of Russian history, and its insights will be of interest to a wide range of scholars and enthusiasts.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 174 x 245 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367564179