Bonzerie de la Grande Pagode 1866

This albumen silver print, titled "Bonzerie de la Grande Pagode," was captured by Émile Gsell, a French photographer working in Southeast Asia in the late 19th century. Albumen printing was a popular photographic process at the time, using egg whites to bind the light-sensitive chemicals to the paper. This created a smooth surface that captured fine details, as we can see in the architecture and the surrounding foliage. The creation of such images also involved considerable labor. From the preparation of the photographic plates, to the development and printing process itself, each step required careful execution. Photographers like Gsell were participating in a colonial system, documenting landscapes and cultures for a European audience, reflecting broader political and economic forces at play. Ultimately, this print not only offers a glimpse into the past but also invites us to reflect on the complex social and cultural dynamics embedded within the making and consumption of such images.