Wijnproductie in de streek Kacheti in Georgië 1847 - 1855

Adolphe Mouilleron created this print of wine production in the Kakheti region of Georgia sometime in the mid-19th century. Note how the print depicts a cross-section of Georgian society engaged in the communal process of winemaking. The division of labor is clearly delineated, with some workers positioned below ground, presumably in the wine cellar, while others are situated above. This image offers a glimpse into the social and economic structures of 19th-century Georgia, which was then under Russian imperial rule. Wine production was, and still is, integral to the Georgian economy and culture. Mouilleron, a French artist, captures this essence, likely appealing to a European audience intrigued by the exoticism of the Caucasus. The image subtly touches on themes of labor, class, and cultural identity, reflecting the complex dynamics of a region caught between tradition and imperial influence. Further research into the history of winemaking in Georgia, accounts from the Russian administration, and travel literature from the period would help us better understand the historical context of this image.