As the last feudal unified dynasty in the history of our country, the Qing Dynasty has attracted the curiosity of many people. As the famous emperor of the Qing Dynasty, his image has also attracted the attention of many future generations. In film and television works, emperors are often Standing tall and tall.
However, in an Italian painter's painting of Emperor Qianlong, his image is different from what we imagined. Let us find out.
1. Emperor Qianlong, who had mixed success and failure
Everyone should have said that during the prosperous ages of Kangxi and Qianlong, Qianlong naturally received great attention as an emperor who connected the past with the future, but he also did He did some things that laid hidden dangers for future generations, so it is very controversial. Qianlong was also the longest reigning emperor in Chinese history, reigning for a full 60 years.
Emperor Qianlong was very proud of the prosperous times at that time and believed that he had a lot of merits. Of course, things such as putting down rebellions and regaining territory were indeed meritorious. But later, warlike behavior made people's lives increasingly difficult, and cultural autocracy posed hidden dangers for China's backward thinking in modern times. It can be said that this was a mixed success.
2. Italian Painter
Castiglione was a missionary from Europe. Although the Qing Dynasty was closed to the outside world, it was very happy for missionaries to visit China because they were interested in Western things. , and the second is to show them the strength of the Celestial Kingdom.
Lang Shining received preferential treatment from the emperor and was allowed to enter the palace full-time for painting. He experienced the three dynasties of Kang, Yong and Qian. It can be said that he witnessed the entire process of the Qing Dynasty from prosperity to decline. His paintings are of extraordinary significance.
Qianlong admired him very much. Because he also liked painting and writing, he appointed Lang Shining as the chief painter in the palace, and they had a very close relationship.
Lang Shining also painted self-portraits with Emperor Qianlong, the most famous of which is "Emperor Qianlong's Grand Reading Scroll". Inside, Emperor Qianlong is riding a horse, majestic and majestic, wearing golden armor, and is very powerful.
3. Qianlong’s true appearance is amazing
But in fact, the most real thing is the "Bust Portrait of Emperor Qianlong in Winter Clothes". This painting is a portrait of Emperor Qianlong by Lang Shining. It was painted in private, without being shown outwardly, so it is very realistic.
Emperor Qianlong in this painting is already 40 years old, but at that time Emperor Qianlong already had a mustache and long sideburns, and his face looked older. Although his eyes were very powerful, his appearance was actually relatively good. Generally speaking, he is not as handsome as in the public paintings and historical materials, and his face is relatively slender, with a crooked nose and a complexion that is not very energetic. It can be said that it is far from what everyone expected.
Of course, this painting has also been identified by many experts. After referring to previous paintings and historical materials, it was confirmed that the "Bust of Emperor Qianlong in Winter Clothes" is the authentic work of Lang Shining, so this painting can be said to be preserved. This is the painting closest to Qianlong's true appearance.
Of course, Emperor Qianlong’s appearance was always not as good as many people expected, but this painting is still of great significance. Someone in the industry once said that ancient emperor paintings are generally front-facing, and this one The painting actually shows the emperor's profile, which is truly rare and has a very high reference value.
Summary
Although emperors are tall and majestic in our traditional impression, it is more of an exaggeration in film and television works and literary works, and it is also to suit the expectations of the audience or readers. Aesthetic needs, but we also need to know that the emperor is also a human being. What he needs to do is how to govern the country well, rather than caring about his own appearance. A qualified and good emperor will only look at his ability.