Maxim Dmitriev, Untitled, 1890. Source:
http://newsdumper.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/rare-footage-of-tsarist-russia-in.html
This photograph would be of great use to a historian studying the grievances of the Russian people in early 20th century Russia, particularly that of the peasants. In particular, this source would be highly valuable for demonstrating the poor living standards of the peasantry. Maxim Dmitriev was widely respected as a photojournalist who had a collection of photos aiming to expose the ‘many faces of Russia’ and political upheaval of the time which this photo definitely achieves. It provides the viewer with a clear, visual perspective and evidence of the plight of the peasants in Russia. As it is a photograph, this allows the historian, or any other viewer, to clearly understand the living conditions in a way that written information could potentially not achieve.
Regardless of knowing the author, the reliability of the photo must be questioned. There is no location referenced which causes two main issues; firstly, did this issue exist everywhere or simply in this location, and secondly, it is uncertain if this photo was staged or has been digitally manipulated since it was taken or simply has been damaged over time. Furthermore, Dmetriev’s agenda and intended audience for this photograph are unknown, thus it cannot be concluded if this is legitimate or purposefully framed/altered to emphasise the hardship of the peasants.
http://newsdumper.blogspot.com.au/2013/09/rare-footage-of-tsarist-russia-in.html
This photograph would be of great use to a historian studying the grievances of the Russian people in early 20th century Russia, particularly that of the peasants. In particular, this source would be highly valuable for demonstrating the poor living standards of the peasantry. Maxim Dmitriev was widely respected as a photojournalist who had a collection of photos aiming to expose the ‘many faces of Russia’ and political upheaval of the time which this photo definitely achieves. It provides the viewer with a clear, visual perspective and evidence of the plight of the peasants in Russia. As it is a photograph, this allows the historian, or any other viewer, to clearly understand the living conditions in a way that written information could potentially not achieve.
Regardless of knowing the author, the reliability of the photo must be questioned. There is no location referenced which causes two main issues; firstly, did this issue exist everywhere or simply in this location, and secondly, it is uncertain if this photo was staged or has been digitally manipulated since it was taken or simply has been damaged over time. Furthermore, Dmetriev’s agenda and intended audience for this photograph are unknown, thus it cannot be concluded if this is legitimate or purposefully framed/altered to emphasise the hardship of the peasants.