That the Russian well... Sketches of foreigners who visited Russia in the mid-nineteenth century

Among the historical sources from which scientists derive their knowledge of Russia's past centuries, there are notes of foreigners about travel to the East. Take them at face value is impossible: sometimes the information contradict each other, distort reality, replete with stereotypes. This also applies to the pencil sketches made by the European guests. But still a certain historical value they represent. Sketches presented in this collection date back to the middle of the XIX century.

The scene at the post office. The postmaster (in the hat) read to the illiterate peasant the letter. What happens with a female is not very clear. Apparently, the news came not too pleasant.

Nizhny Novgorod fair, one of the largest in Russia.

Marina on the banks of the Moscow river, where since ancient times there was a brisk trade of foreign goods.