Group of British Officers in garden of Allied Commissioners

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Group of British Officers in garden of Allied Commissioners

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 32263972

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1858 1861 1859 1861 Allied Commercial Commissioners Important Issued Negretti Orient Pierre Rossier Sold Zambra Officers

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a group of British officers in the tranquil garden of the Allied Commissioners' residence in China during the late 1850s. The scene is one of relaxation and camaraderie amidst the exotic and unfamiliar surroundings of the Far East. The Allied Commissioners were appointed by the major European powers to oversee the implementation of the Treaties of Tianjin and Beijing, which ended the Second Opium War between China and the Western powers. The photograph is part of the "Views in China" series produced by the renowned European photography firm Negretti and Zambra between 1859 and 1861. These groundbreaking images were the first commercial photographs of China to be sold in the Western world, providing a window into a culture that was previously shrouded in mystery and intrigue. The series, which consisted of both a first and second series, captured various scenes of Chinese life, from bustling markets and temples to serene landscapes and gardens. The photograph features a diverse group of officers, dressed in their military uniforms, gathered around a table in the garden. They appear to be engaged in a lively conversation, with some laughing and others deep in thought. In the background, Chinese servants can be seen tending to the garden, adding to the sense of contrast between the two cultures. The photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the interactions between the British officers and their Chinese hosts during this pivotal moment in history. The photograph is by Pierre Joseph Rossier, a Swiss photographer who worked for Negretti and Zambra in China during this period. Rossier's work captured the attention of European audiences with its vivid and detailed depictions of Chinese life, helping to fuel the growing fascination with the East and contributing to the growing trend of Orientalism in Europe.

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