Lovers Leap, Foochow 1869

This is "Lovers Leap, Foochow," a silver print made by John Thomson in the late 19th century. Thomson was among the first photographers to document China extensively for Western audiences. Photography at this time involved laborious chemical processes, from coating glass plates with light-sensitive emulsions to long exposure times. These constraints shaped the kinds of images that were made. Here, the landscape is still and serene, absent of human activity. This aesthetic choice, combined with the tonal range of the print from sepia to cream, evokes a sense of sublime timelessness. Yet this artistry obscures the complex social context of 19th-century China, a nation facing internal conflict and external pressures from colonial powers. Thomson’s photographs, while visually stunning, were also products of a specific historical moment, reflecting the photographer's perspective and the power dynamics between East and West. By considering these factors, we can better appreciate the technical skill and cultural implications of Thomson's work.