Twee gezichten op de Slag bij de Yalu-rivier Possibly 1894 - 1899

These two photographs document the Battle of Yalu River, and were produced by the Ordnance Survey Office. These images offer a glimpse into the visual culture of the late 19th century, a period marked by intense geopolitical competition in East Asia. The Sino-Japanese War was a conflict over control of Korea, and it highlights the clash between a declining Qing Dynasty and an ascendant Japan. Photography, as a relatively new medium, was instrumental in shaping public perceptions of the war, both in Japan and internationally. The clinical aesthetic here presents a sense of documentary objectivity, yet is far from neutral. These photographs served to construct a narrative of Japanese military prowess. Further research into Japanese propaganda from this period, alongside the strategic deployment of photography by state institutions, would reveal how this imagery participated in constructing national identity and asserting imperial ambitions. Ultimately, understanding the social and institutional context of images like these is crucial to understanding their historical significance.