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With the Empress Dowager of China

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By: (1865-1938)

With the Empress Dowager of China by Katharine Carl offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most powerful women in Chinese history. Through the eyes of the author, we are transported back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time of great political upheaval in China.

Carl's writing is engaging and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of the lavish palaces and intricate court ceremonies of the Qing dynasty. She does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of the Empress Dowager Cixi's character, portraying her as both ruthless and cunning, yet also fiercely devoted to her country and its traditions.

The book also delves into the larger historical context of the time, examining the impact of Western imperialism on China and the internal power struggles within the imperial court. Carl's meticulous research and attention to detail make this a valuable resource for anyone interested in Chinese history or women's studies.

Overall, With the Empress Dowager of China is a captivating read that sheds light on a lesser-known figure in history and provides a compelling narrative of a tumultuous period in Chinese history. Highly recommended for anyone looking to expand their knowledge of this fascinating era.

Book Description:
Through the eyes of an artist, With the Empress Dowager of China provides a glimpse of life in the Chinese Imperial Court, unseen by any other Westerner. In 1903, Katharine Carl, an American artist, was invited to paint a portrait of Cixi, the Empress Dowager of China, for display at the 1904 Exhibition at St Louis, USA. For nine months from the 5th of August 1903 when the painting was begun, Miss Carl lived within the Chinese Imperial Court, residing at the Summer Palace, Winter Palace and Sea Palace. During those nine months, a total of four portraits of the Empress Dowager were completed. While living in the Chinese Imperial Court, Miss Carl had the opportunity to observe the customs, personalities, entertainments and politics of the Royal household, and in particular to observe the Empress Dowager, who Miss Carl found to be graceful, warm, intelligent and generous.

Although Katharine Carl did not plan to publicise her experiences, With the Empress Dowager of China was written as a response to articles appearing in the American and British press containing statements never made by her and other misrepresentations. Words were being put into her mouth, she was being put into a very difficult position, and corrections needed to be made. By writing an account of life in the Imperial Court she risked “offending the sensibilities of her Chinese friends” since any comments on the personalities of the Emperor or Empress Dowager were considered to breaches of etiquette. Nevertheless, she did publish “a simple and truthful narrative of my experiences” in 1906.

For most of the time from 1861 until her death in 1908, Cixi, the Empress Dowager of China, was co-regent or regent, and was in control of the Chinese government, due to the youth and inexperience of the Emperors during those years as well as to her capabilities. Her legacy is controversial, and she is viewed variously as a despot, a reformer, and a capable and gracious ruler and administrator.

Katharine Carl’s St Louis Exposition portrait of the Empress Dowager of China resides in the collection of the Arthur M Sackler Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC.


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