Early Chinese Criminal Photograph. Early Photograph of a Shanghai Penal Colony by W. Saunders, circa 1870-80. Sepia-tone Albumen print, approximately 8 x 10", China, Shanghai, circa 1870-80. Eerie early photograph of a Shanghai penal colony, depicting a line of six convicts, standing in an outdoor prison yard, with heavy wooden pallets collared to their necks. The convicts are yoked to one another by an iron chain which joins each of them at the neck. They are dressed in layers of rags, each with a motley, improvised head piece to protect their exposed heads. They look directly at the camera with expressions of blase disinterest, or studied amusement. A crude fence, broken slabs of mortar, and bleached outbuildings are visible in the background. Fine. Matted to an overall size of 18½ x 16".
Estimated Value $300-350.
