Henri Cartier-Bresson (French, 1908-2004), Chinese Girl in the Jewel Room of the Museum of Jakarta, Indonesia, 1949

Gelatin silver print, 1949, with photographer's agency credit stamp “LIFE PHOTO BY CARTIER-BRESSON” as well as additional stamps and hand-written inscriptions on the verso, unframed.

Image / Sheet size 13 1/4 x 9 in.

Private Collection, Los Angeles, California and Chapel Hill, North Carolina

In the late 1940s, Henri Cartier-Bresson traveled to Indonesia, documenting the nation's transition to independence. His photographs captured the shift of power, Dutch troops withdrawing, Indonesian troops marching, and the inauguration of Sukarno as the first president. He also focused on the daily lives of the Indonesian people, their ancient traditions, and culture. Many of the photos, such as the works offered here, appeared in Life magazine.

Some general age, including emulsion chipping around edges, several creases and minor surface abrasions visible in raking light; few verso spots.