[Portrait of an Old Chinese Woman] 1870s

Raimund von Stillfried's "Portrait of an Old Chinese Woman" (1870s) is a striking example of 19th-century photography, capturing the dignity and character of an elderly Chinese woman. Stillfried, a prolific photographer who documented life in China during the Qing dynasty, utilized the albumen print process to create a crisp, detailed image. The woman's worn face and traditional clothing, including a dark headwrap, offer a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in China during a period of significant cultural and political change. The photograph, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides valuable insights into the social and cultural context of the time.