The artwork entitled “Liddell-Chinamen” was created by artist Lewis Carroll in the year 1858. Within the context of the art historical narrative, this photograph can be situated within the Pictorialism movement, which emphasized beauty of subject matter, tonality, and composition rather than focusing on the documentation of reality. The genre of the artwork is photography, which during the time of its creation was a relatively new medium still exploring its artistic potential.
The artwork portrays two individuals dressed in traditional Chinese attire, complete with elaborate fabrics and patterns. It is apparent that these subjects are not actually Chinese; rather, they are playing a role, as was common in Victorian photography, which often indulged in themes of exoticism and costume. The figure on the left holds an open fan and gazes directly at the viewer, creating a sense of engagement, while the figure on the right, adorned with an ornate headdress, looks away, lending an air of contemplation.
Both subjects are positioned in front of a parasol which spans the background and adds to the stylized, exotic aesthetic Carroll sought to achieve. Positioned on a patterned sofa, juxtaposed against the plain backdrop, the two figures offer a visual contrast that draws the viewer’s attention. The setting is staged and theatrical, an artificial environment created for the purpose of the photograph, which suggests a narrative beyond what is seen.
The use of black and white film highlights textures and patterns, enhancing the decorative quality of the subjects’ clothing and the parasol. This composition, with its careful attention to detail and the play of light and shadow, exemplifies Pictorialism’s focus on the beauty and craft of the photographic image as a work of art.
