[Chinese Man] 1870s

This portrait of an unknown Chinese man was taken by Raimund von Stillfried, likely in the late 19th century. It's made through a photographic process that includes hand-applied color. The albumen print, a popular method at the time, involves coating paper with egg white to create a glossy surface for the photographic emulsion. This would have been quite a laborious process, requiring skill and care. The addition of color by hand is also crucial here, and points to the artist's intention to heighten the effect, bringing the figure to life. Stillfried's work existed within a complex social context of trade, colonialism, and cultural exchange. Such photographs were often made for Western audiences, offering a window into unfamiliar cultures. Yet, they also reveal the power dynamics at play, raising questions about representation and the consumption of images of the ‘other’ in a globalizing world. Looking at the materials and techniques used, we can better understand not only the image itself, but its broader cultural significance.