Ust'-Kara Hard Labor Convict Camp, 1891. Creator: Aleksei Kuznetsov

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images

Ust'-Kara Hard Labor Convict Camp, 1891. Creator: Aleksei Kuznetsov

Ust'-Kara Hard Labor Convict Camp, 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

Heritage Images features heritage image collections

Media ID 35125427

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Aleksei Kirillovich Kuznetsov Aleksei Kuznetsov Barracks Convict Convicts Exile Exiled Forced Labour Hard Labour Katorga Kuznetsov Aleksei Labour Camp Nerchinsk Transbaikal Territory Russia Penal Servitude Prison Camp Prisoner Prisoners Punishing Punishment Siberia Siberian Transbaikal Russia Zabaykalsky Krai Russia Meeting Of Frontiers

EDITORS COMMENTS
Ust'-Kara Hard Labor Convict Camp, 1891: A Glimpse into Imperial Russia's Penal System This photograph, taken by Aleksei Kuznetsov in July 1891, offers a haunting glimpse into the Ust'-Kara Hard Labor Convict Camp, located in Transbaikalia, Russia, near the border with China. The camp was part of the katorga (forced labor) system, administered by the Ministry of Interior, which included prisons at Akatuy, Kara, Aleksandrovsk, Nerchinskii Zavod, and Zerentuy. The image shows the exterior of a wooden barracks building, with prisoners likely engaged in labor outside. The camp's location in the remote Siberian wilderness is evident from the surrounding trees and rugged terrain. The meeting of frontiers, both geographical and cultural, is a recurring theme in the album Tipy i vidy Nerchinskoi katorgi (Views and inhabitants of Nerchinsk hard labor camps), of which this photograph is a part. The convict system was a means of punishing and rehabilitating criminals through hard labor. The prisoners, often exiled from their homes, were forced to work in harsh conditions, with long hours and little food or shelter. The camps were notorious for their brutality and high mortality rates. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of punishment and the legacy of Russia's penal servitude system. It invites us to reflect on the historical context of the image and the experiences of the men and women who were held in these camps during the 19th century.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.