Rare Hong Kong 1883 Two-Headed Anomaly Photo Roger-Viollet Archive RV 66.882 For Sale

Description:
Rare and highly unusual archival photograph depicting an unidentified Asian individual with a severe congenital craniofacial or conjoined anomaly.The reverse is handwritten in French:“Deux têtes accolées — Prodige vu à Hong-Kong en 1883.”
Translation: “Two heads joined together — extraordinary individual seen in Hong Kong in 1883.”Also marked:RV 66.882and stamped:H. ROGER VIOLLET
6, Rue de Seine, Paris 6e
MENTION OBLIGATOIRE
COLLECTION VIOLLETRoger-Viollet was one of the major French historical photographic archives. The stamp indicates this example was retained as an archival/reference photograph and required a Collection Viollet credit when reproduced.The image itself is documented on the reverse as relating to Hong Kong in 1883. The precise identity of the sitter and the exact congenital condition remain unknown. The physical print may be a later archival reproduction from an earlier 1883 image, so it is being offered conservatively as a Roger-Viollet archival photograph documenting an 1883 Hong Kong subject, rather than claiming the physical print itself was produced in 1883.A fascinating piece for collectors of:19th-century photography, medical history, congenital anomalies, Hong Kong history, Asian photography, sideshow and human-curiosity material, or French photographic archives.Condition:
Vintage archival photograph with age-related handling wear, surface marks, edge wear and minor staining consistent with archival use. Please examine all photographs carefully for condition.Provenance / markings:
Collection Viollet / H. Roger-Viollet, Paris
Archive reference: RV 66.882
Handwritten identification: Hong Kong, 1883Suggested item specifics:
Original/Reprint: Vintage archival reproduction / unknown
Subject: Medical / Historical / Hong Kong
Date shown: 1883
Region: Hong Kong
Archive: Roger-Viollet
Format: Photograph
Color: Black & White
Condition: Used / archival wear