Fille de Sootchow (Suzhou Girl) 1870s

This photograph titled ‘Fille de Sootchow (Suzhou Girl)’ was captured by Raimund von Stillfried, an Austrian photographer working in Asia in the late 19th century. These images were often made and sold as souvenirs, catering to Western fascination with the ‘exotic’ East. However, this portrait also captures the complex dynamic between observer and observed, especially during a period of intense colonial activity. What does it mean for a Western artist to frame the identity of an Asian woman? The young woman’s gaze seems to hold a story of resilience and complexity, challenging the static images that were often thrust upon Asian subjects at this time. Consider how Stillfried's work participates in, or perhaps inadvertently critiques, the cultural dynamics of his era, inviting us to reflect on the power of representation and the gaze. How does it feel to view this photograph today?