Liang Shitai

The artist specialized in portraits of high-ranking officials, and photographs that appealed to Chinese clients interested in literati painting.

[5] The exhibition displayed 120 photographic “masterpieces” of 19th century China, including two albumen prints by Liang Shitai of Qing dynasty officials.

[6] Incorporating his background as a painter, many of Liang Shitai's images feature hand-painted embellishments, another identifying factor that separates his work from many of his peers.

[9] By 1876, he had moved his studio to Shanghai, possibly due to increased competition in Hong Kong from photographers such as Lai Afong and Pun Lun.

"[12] Another one of Liang Shitai's notable subjects was Chinese General, politician, and diplomat Li Hongzhang, whom he photographed on several occasions, including in a remarkable 1879 dual portrait alongside former United States President Ulysses S.

Pavilion surrounded by ash trees, Tianjin , 1888
Liang Shitai, Li Hongzhang , c. 1870. Albumen print. Source: The Stephan Loewentheil China Photography Collection .
Liang Shitai. Portrait of a Governor, c. 1870. Albumen silver print. Source: the Stephan Loewentheil China Photography Collection
Liang Shitai. Prince Chun, 1870s. Albumen Silver print. Source: the Stephan Loewentheil China Photography Collection
Liang Shitai, Ulysses S. Grant and Li Hongzhang , 1879.