义和团时期西方影像背后的“中国观”——以中国国家博物馆藏詹姆斯·利卡尔顿摄立体照片为中心的考察

China in Western Eyes during Yihetuan Movement:James Ricalton's Photos in the National Museum of China Collection

近代以来,随着中国国际地位迅速下降,西方人的"中国观"也日益趋向负面,并在1900年义和团运动期间达到极点。作为这一历史事件的亲历者,美国摄影师詹姆斯.利卡尔顿在对中国进行近距离观察的同时,拍摄了一批珍贵的历史照片。透过这些照片可以看出,那个时代的西方人不但延续了19世纪下半叶以猎奇为特征的"中国观",并且在"黄祸"论的影响下更加蔑视乃至仇视这个国度。

The modern history saw a drastic loss of China＇ s international status and a negative trend of Western opinions of this country, which reached extremity during the Yihetuan Movement of 1900. James Ricalton, an American photographer who witnessed this historical event, observed China through the lens and left a series of precious photos. These photos reflect not only the typical Western opinions about China since the mid 19th century and the curiosity about exoticism in China, but also the increased contempt for - or even hostility against - the country due to negative Western opinions against the ＂yellow race＂.