Alexandra “Xie” Kitchin as Chinese “Tea-Merchant” (on Duty) 1873

This photograph was taken by Lewis Carroll, famous for Alice in Wonderland. This image captures a moment of intense physical struggle rendered in stark monochrome, highlighting the human form against a dark backdrop. Here, the central figure of Laocoön is locked in a visceral battle with serpents, his muscular form and anguished expression communicating profound suffering. The composition, based on the original sculpture dating from the Hellenistic period, forms a triangle from the base to Laocoön's raised arm. The light emphasizes the three-dimensionality and texture of the bodies and coils of snakes, creating a dramatic tension. This image challenges fixed meanings, engaging with new ways of thinking about power and representation. Carroll's photograph captures not only the sculpture's physical presence, but also the broader cultural and philosophical dialogues it embodies. It suggests how a static image can convey a sense of dynamic movement and emotional depth.