With the Empress Dowager of China · Chapter
XVIII: The Festival of the Harvest Moon—Work on the Portrait explained
The chapter describes the Festival of the Harvest Moon at the Chinese court, including the legend and theatrical performance, and the ongoing work on the Empress Dowager's portrait.
What happens
The chapter describes the Festival of the Harvest Moon at the Chinese court, including the legend and theatrical performance, and the ongoing work on the Empress Dowager's portrait. The author expresses frustration with the rigid conventions of Chinese portraiture, which limited her artistic freedom, but finds solace in the Empress Dowager's fascinating personality.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Representation
The chapter highlights the tension between artistic expression and the rigid conventions of Chinese imperial portraiture, as the artist must follow centuries-old rules that limit realism and creativity.
Cultural Identity and Tradition
The Harvest Moon Festival and its legends, along with the ceremonial practices, illustrate the deep-rooted traditions and cultural identity of the Chinese court.
Observation and Interpretation
The author observes the Empress Dowager's personality and the court's customs, interpreting them through her Western artistic lens, while also noting the contrast between her own expectations and reality.
Characters to notice
- Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi
The Empress Dowager is the subject of the portrait and the central figure of the court. She is pleased with the portrait's progress and invites Mrs. Conger to see it. She participates in the Harvest Moon ceremony with bows and offerings.
- Katherine A. Carl
The author and artist, who struggles with the constraints of Chinese artistic tradition but remains fascinated by the Empress Dowager's personality.
- Mrs. Conger
Invited by the Empress Dowager to view the portrait. She is pleased with the likeness and the lifelike expression in the eyes.
- Emperor Kwang-Hsu
The Emperor participates in the Harvest Moon ceremony, making bows and prostrations to the Moon alongside the Empress Dowager.
- Lady Yu-Keng
The Ladies Yu-Keng are mentioned as part of the court, dining in Her Majesty's loge and participating in the ceremony.
Key passages
“I could neither choose an accessory, nor even arrange a fold according to the lines of the composition. I was obliged to follow, in every detail, centuries-old conventions.”
The artist had no freedom to select props or adjust the drapery; she had to adhere strictly to ancient artistic rules.
Expresses frustration with the constraints of traditional Chinese portraiture.
“The Empress Dowager, however, knew nothing of my discouragement, and seemed perfectly contented with the progress of the portrait then on hand—so pleased, in fact, she asked me if I would not like Mrs. Conger to come and see it.”
The Empress Dowager was unaware of the artist's dissatisfaction and was so happy with the portrait that she suggested inviting Mrs. Conger to view it.
Highlights the Empress Dowager's satisfaction and the social dynamics of the court.
“The Chinese obtain most artistic effects in their illuminations, and by the most simple means.”
The Chinese achieve beautiful visual displays with simple lighting techniques.
Admiration for the artistic ingenuity of the Chinese in creating spectacular effects.