A Hard Labor Convict Attempts to Escape from the Work Site, 1891. Creator: Aleksei Kuznetsov

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A Hard Labor Convict Attempts to Escape from the Work Site, 1891. Creator: Aleksei Kuznetsov

A Hard Labor Convict Attempts to Escape from the Work Site, 1891. One of 74 views taken in July 1891 and contained in the albumTipy i vidy Nerchinskoi katorgi (Views and inhabitants of Nerchinsk hard labor camps). The Nerchinskkatorgawas part of the katorga (forced labor) system of imperial Russia, located in the province of Transbaikalia (present-day Zabaykal'skiy Kray), near the Russian border with China. The katorga was administered by the Ministry of Interior and included prisons at Akatuy, Kara, Aleksandrovsk, Nerchinskii Zavod, and Zerentuy, all of which are depicted in the album. National Library of Russia

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Media ID 35126211

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Aleksei Kirillovich Kuznetsov Aleksei Kuznetsov Convict Convicts Escape Escapee Escaping Exile Exiled Forced Labour Guards Hard Labour Katorga Kuznetsov Aleksei Labour Camp Nerchinsk Transbaikal Territory Russia Penal Servitude Prison Camp Prisoner Prisoners Punishing Punishment Rifle Rifles Shooting Siberia Siberian Transbaikal Russia Zabaykalsky Krai Russia Meeting Of Frontiers

EDITORS COMMENTS
A Hard Labor Convict Attempts to Escape from the Work Site, 1891" This photograph, taken by Aleksei Kuznetsov in 1891, offers a glimpse into the harsh realities of the katorga system in imperial Russia. The image is part of an album titled "Tipy i vidy Nerchinskoi katorgi (Views and inhabitants of Nerchinsk hard labor camps)," containing 74 views captured during July of that year. The scene depicted showcases a desperate convict attempting to flee from his grueling work site. Standing amidst barren surroundings in Transbaikalia province, near the Russian border with China, this man embodies both courage and desperation as he seeks freedom from his punishing existence. Surrounded by armed guards wielding rifles, it becomes evident that escape was no easy feat for these prisoners condemned to forced labor. The presence of weaponry serves as a stark reminder of the severe consequences awaiting those who dare challenge their captors. Kuznetsov's composition skillfully captures not only the physical struggle faced by these men but also conveys their emotional turmoil. Their faces tell stories of despair and resilience as they endure their sentence within this unforgiving landscape. This historical artifact preserved at the National Library of Russia provides valuable insight into a dark chapter in Russian history – one marked by exile, punishment, and oppression. It serves as a testament to human endurance against overwhelming odds while shedding light on societal attitudes towards crime and punishment during this era. As we reflect upon this powerful image over a century later, let us remember those whose lives were defined by hardship and suffering within these prison camps. May it serve as a reminder to cherish our own freedoms while advocating for justice and compassion for all individuals caught within systems designed to strip them away.

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