Civilian Militia, Forbidden City, Beijing, China 1948

Henri Cartier-Bresson's "Civilian Militia, Forbidden City, Beijing, China" (1948) is a striking photojournalistic image capturing the transition of power in post-war China. The photograph, taken in the Forbidden City, shows a group of men in uniform walking across the courtyard, a stark contrast to the ancient architecture. Cartier-Bresson's mastery of "the decisive moment" is evident, as the composition of the photo conveys the historical significance of the event and the powerful symbolism of the Forbidden City. The photograph serves as a poignant reminder of the political upheaval that reshaped China in the 20th century.