[Panorama of Hong Kong] 1869

John Thomson made this panorama of Hong Kong using photographic techniques, printed on paper, in the late 19th century. These are not traditional art materials, but rather materials taken from everyday life, albeit through a technological lens. The sepia tones give the image a textured, almost dreamlike quality, contrasting with the sharp, detailed depiction of the city and harbor. The photograph was made using labor-intensive processes like collodion and albumen printing, which required skill and patience. The amount of work that went into the production process is immense, considering the transportation of equipment to Hong Kong, the labor required for processing chemicals and printing, and the very physical effort of lugging heavy equipment uphill to achieve such a view. Thomson's photograph isn't just a visual record; it's a social document, capturing Hong Kong during a period of intense colonial expansion and trade. It invites us to consider how materials, making, and context all contribute to the meaning of an artwork, blurring the lines between fine art, craft, and historical record.