Ethnic stereotypes of the Ukrainians (Little Russians) and Belarusians (Belorussians) in the visual texts in Russian culture in the second half of the 19th century: Issues of interpretations

The article analyzes a number of visual representations «Little Russians» / «Malorusy» (Ukrainians) and Belarusians («Belorussians» «White Russians»), which were addressed to wide range Russian society in the 1860s – 1900s formed under influence literature, scientific popular ethnographies descriptions text-books. These texts creating stereotypical images peoples nations (so as people) mass consciousness Empire. works that are accessible primarily by audience (genre canvases, book illustrations, magazine lithographs, advertisements, posters, postcards etc) analyzed context ethnic stereotypes (of «Belorussians» (Belarusians)) reflections. author is considered some methodological problems deals with stereotypes’ researching field identification «the people» unity Great Russians, Little Russians White during imperial nation-building. Complications interpreting also due differences discourse Ukrainian Belarusian identities history national movements Empire 19th century. In particular, Soviet modern historiography considers many artists pantheon culture. But if we accept such attributions, it turns out «others» (the heterostereotypes Ukrainians) be their auto stereotypes. If proceed from assumptions creators belonged («all-Russian») culture, questions arise did they interpret them specifically ethnic, or embodiment regional gender only social peasant) variations?