Paardenslee en sneeuwruimers op de militaire weg in Georgië c. 1890 - 1900

This photograph of a horse-drawn sleigh and snowplows on a military road in Georgia was taken by Dimitri Ermakov. While its exact date is unknown, we can safely place it in the late 19th or early 20th century. The image shows the imposing landscape of the Caucasus, a region of strategic and symbolic importance to the Russian Empire. Ermakov's photograph offers insights into the mechanisms of imperial control. The construction and maintenance of military roads was a critical element in projecting Russian power into the region. Snowplows and laborers highlight the logistical challenges of maintaining control over this difficult terrain. How does this image reflect the political and cultural dynamics of its time? Through institutional archives and careful analysis, we can uncover the complex layers of meaning embedded in this seemingly straightforward landscape photograph. By understanding the social conditions of its making, we can consider the lasting role of art in challenging existing social norms.