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This article explores how Western photography shaped the perception of China through imperialist views and how these images were later reassessed by Chinese intellectuals.

June 4, 2026Культура и искусствоOpen Access

China as Spectacle in Western Photography, Late Nineteenth to Early Twentieth Century

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This article explores how Western photography shaped the perception of China through imperialist views and how these images were later reassessed by Chinese intellectuals.
Utilized historical materials and textual analysis to examine war photographs and public punishment images.
Analyzed images published in notable Western periodicals and photo albums from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Investigated the reinterpretation of visual materials by Chinese thinkers such as Lu Xun.
Identified that Western photography constructed a narrative justifying imperial aggression through images of 'civilization' versus 'backwardness'.
Demonstrated that Chinese intellectuals employed these images for self-reflection and critique of societal issues.
Highlighted the dual role of photography as both an instrument of visual domination and a medium for critical self-observation.

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Cultural history examines Western photography of China, revealing its role in imperialism and self-reflection.

Cite This Study

Liyu Xia (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a2117fdd499ed480b170db3 https://doi.org/10.7256/2454-0625.2026.5.79403

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China as Spectacle in Western Photography, Late Nineteenth to Early Twentieth Century

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Implication

Cite This Study

China as Spectacle in Western Photography, Late Nineteenth to Early Twentieth Century

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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