Enterrement, Cochinchine 1866

"Enterrement, Cochinchine" (1866) by Emile Gsell (1838-1879) is a black and white photograph depicting a funeral procession in Cochinchina (modern-day Vietnam). This image, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies Gsell's interest in documenting life in Southeast Asia during the mid-19th century. The photograph captures the solemnity of the occasion, with a group of people dressed in traditional garb carrying a decorated structure, perhaps a coffin. The composition highlights the cultural practices of the region during a time of colonial influence. The photograph is a valuable historical document, offering insights into the customs of Cochinchina in the mid-19th century.