With the Empress Dowager of China · Chapter
Introductory explained
In April 1903, Katherine Carl receives a letter from Mrs.
What happens
In April 1903, Katherine Carl receives a letter from Mrs. Conger proposing that she paint the Empress Dowager's portrait for the St. Louis Exposition. After official delays, Carl is presented to the Empress Dowager in August and begins her work at the Summer Palace. Despite the kindness she receives, Carl faces public misrepresentations of her experiences and decides to publish a truthful account, acknowledging the risk of offending Chinese sensibilities.
Themes in this chapter
Observation and Interpretation
Carl emphasizes her unique position as the only European to study the Empress Dowager in her own milieu, and her reliance on personal interpretation over scholarly works.
Art and Representation
The portrait project aims to present a true likeness of the Empress Dowager to counter prevailing misconceptions, highlighting the power of artistic representation.
Cultural Identity and Tradition
Carl discusses the breaking of long-established Chinese traditions by painting an Imperial portrait and the strict rules of propriety regarding comment on the Sacred Persons.
Characters to notice
- Katherine A. Carl
The author and artist, invited to paint the Empress Dowager's portrait, who decides to publish her account to correct false statements.
- Mrs. Conger
Wife of the American Minister, who initiates the portrait project and presents Carl to the Empress Dowager.
- Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi
The subject of the portrait, who approves the sitting and receives Carl graciously, but whose character is misrepresented in the press.
Key passages
“I was cordially received, on my arrival in Peking, by Mr. and Mrs. Conger at the American Legation, and on the fifth of August was presented by Mrs. Conger to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager at the Summer Palace in private Audience.”
Upon reaching Peking, I was warmly welcomed by the Congers, and on August 5th, Mrs. Conger introduced me to the Empress Dowager at the Summer Palace in a private audience.
Describes the initial arrival and presentation.
“The power of the Press has become such that it cannot be ignored. It is of no avail to say nothing in such a case as mine; when you do this, words are put into your mouth and sentiments ascribed to you at the will of the newsmongers.”
The press is so influential that staying silent is useless; if I say nothing, false statements are attributed to me.
Explains why Carl feels compelled to publish her account.