Head Quarter House, First Division, Pehtang, China

1860

Felice Beato

Associated Names
Felice Beato

Artist, British, born Venice, 1832 - 1909

The image depicts a group of sculptures arranged within an ornate setting. The wooden table in the foreground is adorned with various objects. The subjects of the sculptures are various figures. The central figures are two larger-than-life statues seated behind the table. They are flanked on either side by smaller, more intricately detailed sculptures. The sculpture on the left holds a paper or document, while the one on the right is poised with a staff or tool. The figures are crafted from a material that appears aged, possibly wood or stone, with a dark, earthy color patina. The details suggest clothing with ornate patterns and textures. The setting includes lattice screens on either side. Overall, the sculptures collectively present a tableau reflecting cultural or traditional motifs evident in their attire and posture.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    albumen silver print

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Michael and Jane Wilson

  • Dimensions

    image: 22.4 × 28 cm (8 13/16 × 11 in.)
    mount: 24.8 × 30 cm (9 3/4 × 11 13/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.137.1.5

  • Volume Title

    The Second Opium War


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(sale, Christie's, South Kensington, 05 May 2000, lot 302, as The Second Opium War China, 1860); Michael and Jane Wilson, Wilson Centre for Photography, London, acquired 2000; gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

on verso of mount, by unknown hand, along top in black ink on paper label: Head Quarter House - 1st Division. Pehtang China.; bottom right in graphite: 00:6693

Wikidata ID

Q64147549

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