View of the Summer Palace Yuen Min Yuen, Pekin, Showing the Pagoda Before the Burning, October 1860 1860

This photograph, taken by Felice Beato in 1860, depicts the Summer Palace Yuen Min Yuen in Beijing, China, before it was burned during the Second Opium War. The image captures the ornate pagoda in the foreground, towering over the surrounding landscape. The photograph is a poignant reminder of the destruction of this historical landmark and the impact of colonialism on Chinese culture. Beato, a renowned photographer of the 19th century, documented the events of the Second Opium War with his camera, offering a unique perspective on this pivotal moment in history.