[Seated Chinese Woman with Fan] 1870s

Raimund von Stillfried's "Seated Chinese Woman with Fan" is a striking example of 19th-century photography. The image, a hand-tinted albumen print, captures a woman in traditional Chinese clothing, seated in an interior space, holding a fan and gazing directly at the camera. The careful composition, use of light, and hand-coloring showcase the artist's interest in capturing both the unique details of Chinese culture and the artistic possibilities of the photographic medium. This photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, provides a glimpse into the daily life of China during a period of significant change.