Elm Tree. Samarkand

1905
Seen here is a massive karagach (elm tree). Densely leaved, the karagach flourishes in the oasis setting of Samarkand. The compact branch structure helps the tree conserve moisture in this hot climate. To the left is a seated figure on a low adobe wall. The field in the foreground shows signs of cultivation. The image is by Russian photographer Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii (1863–1944), who used a special color photography process to create a visual record of the Russian Empire in the early 20th century. He used his photographic method to great effect in recording local flora, as is seen in the rich green of the main elm. Some of Prokudin-Gorskii’s photographs date from about 1905, but the bulk of his work is from between 1909 and 1915, when, with the support of Tsar Nicholas II and the Ministry of Transportation, he undertook extended trips through many different parts of the empire. Prokudin-Gorskii was particularly interested in recently acquired territories of the Russian Empire such as Turkestan (present-day Uzbekistan and neighboring states), which he visited on a number of occasions, including two trips in 1911. Turkestan appealed to him not only for its Islamic architecture but also for bucolic scenes in places such as Samarkand.

Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: 5749.jpg
Copyright: acku Afghanistan
Image Size: 1800x1673 / 740.1KB; 1905 Uzbekistan Samarqand Samarkand Elm Trees Karagach Fields Photo WDL 010408
Contained in galleries: UZBEKISTAN

1905<br />
Seen here is a massive karagach (elm tree). Densely leaved, the karagach flourishes in the oasis setting of Samarkand. The compact branch structure helps the tree conserve moisture in this hot climate. To the left is a seated figure on a low adobe wall. The field in the foreground shows signs of cultivation. The image is by Russian photographer Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii (1863–1944), who used a special color photography process to create a visual record of the Russian Empire in the early 20th century. He used his photographic method to great effect in recording local flora, as is seen in the rich green of the main elm. Some of Prokudin-Gorskii’s photographs date from about 1905, but the bulk of his work is from between 1909 and 1915, when, with the support of Tsar Nicholas II and the Ministry of Transportation, he undertook extended trips through many different parts of the empire. Prokudin-Gorskii was particularly interested in recently acquired territories of the Russian Empire such as Turkestan (present-day Uzbekistan and neighboring states), which he visited on a number of occasions, including two trips in 1911. Turkestan appealed to him not only for its Islamic architecture but also for bucolic scenes in places such as Samarkand.