Zomerpaleis te Peking before 1920

This photograph, ‘Zomerpaleis te Peking’ by Donald Mennie, presents a study in architectural form and tonal gradation. Mennie captures the Summer Palace in Peking using a muted palette, which softens the contours and emphasizes the structural aspects of the building. The composition is dominated by horizontal lines of the palace roofs and balustrades. These are punctuated by the vertical columns which create a grid-like structure that defines the facade. The receding steps and the play of light and shadow articulate depth, drawing our eye into the space. Mennie's approach invites us to consider how the photograph operates as a system of signs. The architectural elements are not just representations of a real place but symbols of cultural and historical significance. Consider how Mennie uses the photographic medium to explore the intersection of representation and reality. The image prompts us to reflect on how cultural values and aesthetic ideals shape our perception and understanding of space.