Street in Kadhin; Foochow Creek Bridge; Country View; Shanghai 1869

This is a set of four albumen silver prints made by John Thomson, depicting scenes in China. The albumen print process itself is remarkable. Paper is coated with albumen, or egg white, and then sensitized with a silver nitrate solution. A glass negative is placed on top and exposed to sunlight. The resulting print has a distinctive sepia tone and a smooth surface, allowing for a high level of detail. Thomson's choice of this medium is significant. Photography in the 19th century was a laborious process that demanded patience and skill, from preparing the plates to printing the final image. The material reality of these photographs serves as a reminder of the effort involved in creating each image, and the technology and labor involved in the production process. Thomson's work provides valuable insight into the lives and landscapes of 19th-century China, inviting viewers to reflect on the cultural and historical contexts of these images. By considering the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate the full depth and complexity of Thomson's work, recognizing photography as a blend of art, craft, and technology.