Top of the Wall From Anting Gate, Pekin, Taken Possession by English and French Troops, October 1860

Felice Beato

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a bird's-eye view looking down along a fortified wall that extends into the distance, disappearing near the horizon. The horizon is positioned high in the composition, with the wall dominating the scene. On the right side of the wall, there are towering poles, while to the left, rows of traditional-style buildings align parallel with the wall, creating a street-like appearance. The wall, structures, and open land feature a desaturated, vintage color palette of sepia tones. The scene includes areas touched by diffused sunlight and shadows cast by the wall and surrounding architecture. In the background, a mix of natural and architectural elements continues with no distinct features breaking the flat horizon, depicting an expansive landscape.