This stunning series of portraits was captured by photographer Émile Gsell during the 1860s and 1870s, taken from an album preserved at the former French Colonial Museum.
Portrait of a Confucian scholar in late 19th century Vietnam. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
Two Vietnamese soldiers from the past. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
A traditional opera performer in costume. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
A street vendor in Southern Vietnam. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
A nobleman with a servant holding a tray. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
Portrait of a monk. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
An elderly woman selling pineapples. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
An elderly man carrying vegetables. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
Portrait of a water carrier. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
A young Chinese man in Saigon – Cholon. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
Portrait of an elderly Vietnamese man. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
Members of a wealthy family in Northern Vietnam. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
The hand with long nails of a wealthy Vietnamese person. (Photo: Émile Gsell).
