Tartar Soldiers c. 1868

John Thomson created this silver print titled "Tartar Soldiers" sometime in the late 19th century. Thomson was among the first photographers to travel extensively in China, documenting its people and landscapes. Here, a group of soldiers are captured in a moment of repose, the image offering a glimpse into the lives of military men within the Qing Dynasty. The photograph provides insight into the complexities of identity and representation during a period of intense cultural exchange and colonial influence. Thomson’s position as a Western photographer shapes how these figures are viewed, inviting us to consider the power dynamics inherent in the act of documentation. How does seeing these soldiers through the lens of a foreign observer affect our understanding of their lives and experiences?