Old Man in Spectacles
Attributed to
John Thomson
(Scottish, 1837 - 1921)
Dateca. 1870
MediumAlbumen print
DimensionsImage and sheet: 3 7/16 × 2 1/8 inches (8.69 × 5.41 cm)
Mount: 4 1/8 × 2 7/16 inches (10.49 × 6.15 cm)
Mount: 4 1/8 × 2 7/16 inches (10.49 × 6.15 cm)
Credit LineGift of the Hall Family Foundation
Object number2015.67.94
Signednone
InscribedPrinted captions on paper, attached to mount verso, in black type: "Old Man in Spectacles. / THIS is one of those indescribable in- / dividuals often met with in the crow- / ded streets of Shanghai. Whether he is an Astrologer, an Alchemist, a Doc- / tor, a leaned party, or simply a ruffian / who gets behind a huge pair of iron / spectacles to impose on the public, it is / hard to say / ¶ The profession, mode of subsistence / and place of abode of these spectacled / gentry are alike a mystery--that, how- / ever they are picturesque figures for a / photograph will readily be admitted."
Markingsnone
On View
Not on viewCollections
DescriptionHand colored image of older man with glasses standing in rubble against wall. He's holding a narrow rod and a small basket.
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