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The image features a traditional Chinese architectural structure photographed from a low angle, showcasing intricate carvings and detailing. The structure is set against a background of trees, creating a contrast between light and shadow. Stone foundations and carvings in the foreground lead the eye upwards towards the ornate roof. The image has a sepia tone, highlighting the texture and details of the carvings.
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The image features a traditional Chinese architectural structure photographed from a low angle, showcasing intricate carvings and detailing. The structure is set against a background of trees, creating a contrast between light and shadow. Stone foundations and carvings in the foreground lead the eye upwards towards the ornate roof. The image has a sepia tone, highlighting the texture and details of the carvings.

National Gallery of Art · Photograph

Arch in the Lama Temple Near Pekin, October 1860

Felice Beato

Date
1860
Medium
albumen silver print
Dimensions
image: 29.8 × 25 cm (11 3/4 × 9 13/16 in.) mount: 30.8 × 25 cm (12 1/8 × 9 13/16 in.)
Classification
Photograph
Accession number
2012.137.1.30
Credit line
Gift of Michael and Jane Wilson
Time span
1851 to 1875
Department
CPH
Original NGA record Wikidata

Portfolio and series

Volume
The Second Opium War

Subjects and terms

  • British
  • albumen silver print
  • War
  • Temple
  • Arch
  • China
  • architecture
  • Beijing
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.

Inscription

on verso of mount, by unknown hand, along top in black ink on paper label: Arch in the Lama Temple. Near Pekin. October 1860; bottom center in graphite: 00:6693

NGA object ID 163393. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.