Canton. The Examination Hall

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Canton. The Examination Hall

Pierre Joseph Rossier. Views in China issued by Negretti and Zambra in 1859 and 1861. First Series and second series. These important images were the first commercial views of China to be sold in the west. Date: 1858-1861

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Media ID 32263912

© Classic Photographics / Mary Evans Picture Library

1858 1861 1859 1861 Canton Commercial Examination Important Issued Negretti Orient Pierre Rossier Sold Zambra

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EDITORS COMMENTS
This striking photograph, titled "The Examination Hall in Canton," is an essential piece of historical documentation and a beautiful example of early Eastern photography. Captured by the renowned Swiss photographer Pierre Joseph Rossier between 1858 and 1861, this image is considered one of the first significant views of China to be widely disseminated in the Western world. Rossier's work was published by Negretti and Zambra, a leading London-based firm specializing in scientific instruments and photography. The scene depicts the bustling Examination Hall in Canton, China, where candidates gathered to take the imperial civil service examinations. The rigorous tests were a crucial aspect of Chinese society, as they provided the primary means for upward social mobility and entry into the imperial bureaucracy. The image captures the energy and intensity of the scene, with candidates intently focused on their exams, while others engage in animated discussions or take breaks. The photograph is part of the first and second series of Rossier's "Views in China," which showcased various aspects of Chinese life and culture to a Western audience. These images were groundbreaking in their time, as they provided a glimpse into the mysterious and exotic Orient for those who had never had the opportunity to travel there. Today, they remain valuable historical records, offering insights into the rich history and traditions of China during a pivotal period in its relationship with the Western world.

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