Art FOOD AND TRAVEL

Rare Color Photos of The Russian Empire

vintage color russian photos
Written by Gary

These rare, vintage color photos of Russia are over 100 years old.

vintage color russian photos

Monastery of St. Nil’, Lake Seliger, Russia.

Remember when Russia was known for beautiful architecture, gorgeous fashion, and idyllic townships surrounded by pastoral countryside, instead of bigoted opinions, fascist leaders, and vodka?

I don’t either, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true.

These photos, by Russian chemist and photographer Sergei Mikhailovich Prokudin-Gorskii are some of the first color photographs of the Russian Empire, and harken back to a time when Russia had a good reputation. As an artist, I find them inspiring, and it almost makes me want to visit even though I will probably end up with ‘homo’ spray painted across my eyes and my b-hole super glued shut.

READ MORE: Traveling Caviar Bar Offers Russian Opulence Just About Anywhere

As if that would stop me.

vintage color russian photos

Emir Said Mir Mohammed Alim Khan, in an outfit that would make any drag queen totes jeals.

vintage color russian photos

Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia.

vintage color russian photos

A family mining operation in the Ural Mountain region, AKA poor people.

vintage color russian photos

A handcar on the Murmansk Railroad.

vintage color russian photos

The town of Borzhomi, where rich people vacationed at Ekaterinin Spring.

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About the author

Gary

Gary is the gay guy that every girl wants to be, and every guy wants to be with (Mostly because he can't get pregnant). He is based in Manhattan, but loves traveling to exotic new people, and sleeping with interesting new places. He is an adventurous writer, digital artist, and game designer that will try almost anything if it makes a good story.
--Instagram: @garyadrianrandall --Twitter: @gadrianrandall