The Bear and the 'Type': Patterns of Representation in Illustrated Publications and Periodicals of the Late Russian Empire

• In Event: Decentered Perspectives on Illustration from the Imperial and Soviet Eras

Abstract

This paper examines nineteenth and early-twentieth century drawings and publications that depict the Russian Empire's communities. While British works portrayed Russian leadership in an animalistic way and depicted Asian leadership in a feminized manner, Russian periodicals presented a more realistic portrayal of imperial subjects in Turkestan, Siberia, and other Asian territories. The paper argues that this shift reflects the widespread adoption of the photographic "type," shaping the late imperial visual culture and reinforcing implicit narratives of imperial dominion over diverse populations.

Author

• Ksenia Un, Case Western Reserve U