Walls of the Forbidden City, Peking
Artist
Lawrence Shlim
MediumSelenium toned silver print
Dimensions19 x 24 in. (48.3 x 61 cm)
ClassificationsPhotograph
Credit LineSeattle City Light 1% for Art Portable Works Collection
Besides the dramatic use of one-point perspective in this photograph, the mystery of Beijing's Forbidden City is also accurately captured. The long, deserted and cavernous routes that connect the inner buildings of the Ming Emperor's palace are now filled with tourists as they scramble through the once forbidden city. But in 1977 when this photo was taken, there were no western tourists.