Karaimes, Théodosie, Kaffa, 1 Octobre 1837 1844

Auguste Raffet made this lithograph titled "Karaimes, Théodosie, Kaffa, 1 Octobre 1837" without a specific date, and it captures a group of Karaite Jews in what is now Crimea, Ukraine. The image presents the men in their traditional clothing, reflecting the cultural identity of this small ethno-religious group. The background depicts a simple landscape, suggesting a close-knit community living somewhat separately. In 1837, Crimea was part of the Russian Empire, which had a complex relationship with its diverse ethnic and religious groups. The Russian government often sought to categorize and control these communities through policies that sometimes encouraged assimilation and at other times fostered division. To understand this work fully, historians might consult travel literature, ethnographic studies, and government documents from the period. Raffet's lithograph is a reminder that art can serve as a valuable document, reflecting the social and institutional contexts in which it was produced.