An Italian missionary's paintings as a court artist in Qing Dynasty

In the 17th and 18th centuries China's relationship with the outside world was transformed. Nowhere is this transformation more clearly embodied than in the work of the Jesuit painter Giuseppe Castiglione. After arriving in China in 1715 at the age of 27, the Italian missionary named himself Lang Shining and his art skills were appreciated by the emperor Qianlong. He spent many years in court and painted various subjects. As a court artist, he transformed the painting in imperial China, and his influence was felt for centuries after his death.

A one-hour talk at Asia House in London will explore this dramatic integration of Chinese and European artistic styles through the National Palace Museum's unrivalled collection of works painted and influenced by Castiglione and other Jesuits at the Qing court.

The talk will be given by Nixi Cura, who is the Arts of China course director at Christie's Education, London. She is now researching the art of the Qianlong reign during the Qing dynasty, when Castiglione was active.

Date: April 30

Venue: Asia House

Website: asiahouse.org

(China Daily 03/22/2013 page31)