A Vagrant on the Loose, 1891. Creator: Aleksei Kuznetsov

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Heritage Images

A Vagrant on the Loose, 1891. Creator: Aleksei Kuznetsov

A Vagrant on the Loose, 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 35127755

© Heritage Art/Heritage Images

Aleksei Kirillovich Kuznetsov Aleksei Kuznetsov Backdrop Bucket Convict Convicts Escape Escaped Escapee Escaping Exile Exiled Forced Labour Hard Labour Katorga Kuznetsov Aleksei Nerchinsk Transbaikal Territory Russia Pail Penal Servitude Prison Camp Prisoner Prisoners Punishing Punishment Siberia Siberian Staged Tramp Transbaikal Russia Vagabond Vagrancy Vagrant Zabaykalsky Krai Russia Meeting Of Frontiers

EDITORS COMMENTS
captured by renowned Russian photographer Aleksei Kuznetsov in 1891, offers a striking glimpse into the harsh realities of the Nerchinsk hard labor camps in Transbaikalia, Russia. Part of a series of 74 views contained in the album "Tipy i vidy Nerchinskoi katorgi" (Views and inhabitants of Nerchinsk hard labor camps), this image portrays a convict on the run, dressed in tattered and worn clothing, carrying a bucket or pail, and walking along a desolate, barren landscape. The Nerchinsk katorga was one of several penal labor camps administered by the Ministry of Interior in the Transbaikalia province, near the Russian border with China. The camps were notorious for their punishing conditions, with convicts subjected to long hours of hard labor, harsh weather, and meager rations. The image of the escaping vagrant, with his fur hat pulled low over his face and a determined expression, conveys a sense of defiance and resilience in the face of adversity. The stark, monochromatic backdrop of the image underscores the desolation and isolation of the convict's surroundings, while the contrast between the man's worn clothing and the empty, rocky terrain highlights the harshness of his existence. This photograph is a poignant reminder of the human cost of punishment and penal servitude in imperial Russia, and a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of the human will to survive. The image is a valuable historical artifact, shedding light on the meeting of frontiers, the people and punishments of the Nerchinsk Transbaikal territory, and the challenges of life in a far-flung Russian outpost 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.