Costumes de Théâtre, Saïgon, Cochinchine 1866

Émile Gsell made this albumen silver print, "Costumes de Théâtre, Saigon, Cochinchine," in what is now Vietnam. The image depicts performers in elaborate theatrical garb, likely from a local opera or theatre production. Photography in colonial contexts like 19th-century Cochinchina served as a tool for documenting and often exoticizing local cultures for a Western audience. Here, the photograph captures the visual spectacle of Vietnamese theatre, presenting it as a form of cultural display. But it's clear, from the skill and artistry of the costumes, and the way the performers wear them, that they see it as more than just a display. To fully understand this image, we'd want to delve into archives and historical accounts to learn about the specific theatrical traditions in Saigon during this period. We can look for evidence of the economic and social dynamics that shaped artistic expression in colonial Vietnam. By doing so, we can recognize the complex interplay of cultural representation, colonial power, and artistic agency.