Sergei Prokudin-Gorksii

Photographic Mission: Sergei Prokudin-Gorskii undertook a photographic expedition across the Russian Empire from 1909 to 1915, aiming to capture the country's transformation during the early 20th century. His work was primarily motivated by educational purposes, intending to assist schoolchildren in learning Russian history through visuals of the nation's diverse people and cultures.
Royal Support and Methodology: His project received personal support from Tsar Nicholas II, who was impressed by the beauty of his color photographs. Prokudin-Gorskii traveled with the assistance of the Ministry of Transportation and utilized a novel color-photographic method involving capturing images in quick succession across three color filters, a technique he continuously refined by utilizing his chemistry background.
Preservation and Legacy: After emigrating in 1918, he took nearly two thousand glass-plate negatives with him. After his death, around sixteen hundred of these slides were preserved and eventually donated to the American Council of Learned Societies by his sons. These photographs were later featured in Robert Allshouse's book, showcasing Prokudin-Gorskii's pioneering color photography commissioned by the Tsar.
Depiction of Industrialization: Prokudin-Gorskii’s photographs not only depicted scenes from industrialized Russian life in color, but also emphasized the technological and human dimensions of these environments. One notable image shows laborers at the Beloomut sluice of the Moscow Canal, illustrating the significant industrial efforts and economic transformations occurring at the time.
Exploration of Industrial Narrative: His work explored Russia's industrial narrative by capturing major construction projects and economic reforms. These photographs provided more than just snapshots of Russian life; they offered insights into the scale of construction projects that were central to Russia’s strategies for modernization and engagement in global economics.
Academic and Cultural Value: The images serve as valuable academic resources, offering historical and cultural context. They reveal not just the physical landscapes but also the social and economic climates that shaped early 20th century Russia, making them important tools for understanding this period.