Interior of the North Fort Taku After Its Capture on August 21, 1860 1860

Felice Beato made this photograph, "Interior of the North Fort Taku After Its Capture on August 21, 1860," using the collodion process. It gives us an unsettling view of the aftermath of war in China during the Second Opium War. The image isn't just a record of destruction. It reflects the power dynamics between Western forces and China in the mid-19th century. Beato was commissioned to document the British military campaigns, and his photographs served to reinforce a narrative of imperial dominance. This was a time when Western powers were keen to expand their influence in Asia, often through military force. By studying photographs like this alongside historical documents, we can gain a deeper understanding of how images were used to shape public opinion and justify political actions during this period of colonial expansion. The image invites us to consider the photographer’s role in shaping historical narratives.