With the Empress Dowager of China · Chapter
XXVIII: Some Winter Days at the Palace explained
During the winter months at the Palace, Katherine A.
What happens
During the winter months at the Palace, Katherine A. Carl works diligently on the official portrait for the St. Louis Exposition, with the Empress Dowager posing frequently despite her growing anxiety over the Russo-Japanese War. The chapter describes the cold weather, the adjustments made for comfort, the daily routines, and the mourning ceremonies observed. It also recounts the young Empress's birthday celebration, where Carl is honored to be the first to congratulate her, and the Empress Dowager's emotional response to Carl's gesture of wearing mourning colors on the anniversary of her son's death.
Themes in this chapter
Art and Representation
Carl struggles with the constraints of traditional Chinese portraiture, having to conform to convention and tradition.
Observation and Interpretation
Carl observes the Empress Dowager's anxiety and the mourning customs, interpreting them through her Western perspective.
Cultural Identity and Tradition
The chapter highlights the importance of mourning rituals, the celebration of birthdays, and the strict adherence to ceremonial propriety.
Power and Governance
The Empress Dowager's concern over the political situation and the potential desecration of ancestral tombs reflects the burdens of rule.
Characters to notice
- Empress Dowager Tze-Hsi
Poses for the portrait, shows anxiety over the political situation, and is touched by Carl's mourning attire.
- Katherine A. Carl
Works on the portrait, adapts to the cold, and participates in palace customs.
- Emperor Kwang-Hsu
Mentioned in the context of the Emperor's birthday festivities, though not directly present in this chapter.
- Lady Yu-Keng
Informs the Empress Dowager of Carl's reason for wearing black.
- Late Emperor Tung-Chih
His death anniversary is observed as a day of mourning.
Key passages
“The big, official portrait for St. Louis was advancing.”
The large portrait intended for the St. Louis Exposition was making progress.
Carl notes the advancement of her work on the official portrait.
“I worked like a good artisan, finishing so many inches a day.”
I painted steadily and methodically, completing a set amount each day.
Carl describes her disciplined approach to painting the portrait.
“She seemed to feel all the gravity of the political situation of China.”
The Empress Dowager appeared to be deeply aware of the seriousness of China's political circumstances.
Carl observes the Empress Dowager's concern over the impending war.