Photography album 19th-20th century

This hand-colored albumen print is from an anonymous photography album, and it presents an image of labor and life in Japan. This image gives us insight into the class system and the economics of Japan. Here, the hand coloring enhances the detail of the subject’s clothing and the goods he carries. His worn sandals and the visible strain on his face speak to the difficult conditions faced by the working class. The traditional Japanese house in the background anchors the figure in a specific cultural context. The figure’s position, burdened and bent, subtly critiques the social structures of the time. To understand this photograph better, we can research the economic conditions in Japan during the late 19th century, and explore the rise of photography as a tool for documenting social realities. This image encourages us to consider how art can be a powerful form of social commentary, reflecting and challenging the norms of its time.