At the Atamushi monastery in Mandalay, Myanmar 1887 - 1899

Felice Beato made this albumen print of the Atamushi monastery in Mandalay, Myanmar. In the late 19th century, European photographers ventured across Asia, documenting its diverse cultures. Beato, an Italian-British photographer, captured this image of the monastery, showcasing its intricate wooden architecture and towering spires. The photograph reflects the historical context of British colonialism in Burma. Beato's work served as a visual record of the region, reinforcing Western perceptions of the East, and often exoticizing local customs and architecture. Religious architecture in this image is carefully framed and well-lit in order to lend it a more ‘noble’ aesthetic. To fully understand this photograph, we can examine travelogues, colonial records, and historical accounts of Burma during the late 19th century. Such resources can reveal the complex interplay of power, representation, and cultural exchange that shaped the production and reception of images like these.