Canton. The South Gate

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Canton. The South Gate

Pierre Joseph Rossier. Views in China issued by Negretti and Zambra in 1859 and 1861. First Series and second series. These important images were the first commercial views of China to be sold in the west. Date: 1858-1861

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Media ID 32264000

© Classic Photographics / Mary Evans Picture Library

1858 1861 1859 1861 Canton Commercial Important Issued Negretti Orient Pierre Rossier Sold Zambra

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning photograph, titled "Canton: The South Gate," is an exquisite example of early Western documentation of China. Captured by the renowned Swiss photographer Pierre Joseph Rossier between 1858 and 1861, this image is considered one of the first significant views of China to be widely disseminated in the Western world. Rossier's work was published by Negretti and Zambra, a leading British firm specializing in scientific instruments and photography. The image is part of the first and second series of Rossier's "Views in China," marking a pivotal moment in the visual representation of the East in the Western imagination. The South Gate, also known as the "Eastern Gate," is a prominent landmark in Canton (now Guangzhou), China. It served as the main entrance to the city during the Qing Dynasty and was a crucial point of contact between China and the outside world. In this photograph, we see a bustling scene of activity, with people and carts moving in and out of the gate, and the vibrant colors of the buildings and market stalls creating a rich tapestry of life in Canton during this period. Rossier's masterful composition and use of light and shadow capture the essence of this historic moment, providing a unique window into the past and offering a glimpse into the cultural exchange that shaped the world during the late 19th century. This photograph is an essential addition to any collection of historical images and is a testament to the power of photography to transport us through time and place.

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