To the method of using graphic sources in museum work

The article is devoted to the problems of using pictorial sources (painting, photography, documentary films, etc.) in museum work, while reconstructing the daily life of the past by museum means. There is a need for a critical analysis of a picture or photo, taking into account the characteristics of the author (amateur, professional), the purpose of the work (ideological bias, propaganda, etc.) and the importance of preparatory materials (sketches, sketches, negatives, test shots). Particular attention is paid to the subject background of the painting or photo, where details can fall, under normal circumstances not attracting attention. There are characteristic cases of direct falsification, leading to the creation of a historical photo cytopharm.