Lower Harbour, Amoy 1869

This 1869 photograph by John Thomson, titled "Lower Harbour, Amoy," depicts a panoramic view of Amoy Harbor, a bustling trading port in China. The image showcases numerous ships at anchor, a waterfront lined with buildings, and a hilly landscape in the background. The composition is characterized by a sense of depth and scale, highlighting the importance of the harbor as a hub of commercial activity during the late 19th century. This photo albumen print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the urban landscape of Amoy during a period of significant change in China. Thomson, a pioneering photojournalist, documented life in China with his camera, capturing both the grandeur of the country's ancient architecture and the modernization that was underway. His work played a role in Western understanding of China during this era, revealing the blend of traditional and modern that defined the Qing Dynasty.