Gezicht op een deel van het keizerlijk zomerpaleis in Chengde (Jehol) te China 1712 - 1714

This is Matteo Ripa's 'View of Part of the Imperial Summer Palace in Chengde (Jehol), China’, a drawing that captures a specific geographical location through the eyes of a European artist in China during the early 18th century. Ripa, an Italian missionary and artist, was employed at the Qing court. His unique position allowed him access to spaces and landscapes that were often restricted, offering us today a rare glimpse into the imperial lifestyle and the visual culture of the time. The drawing depicts the meticulously designed gardens and architecture nestled within the natural landscape, highlighting a cultivated harmony between man and nature. Consider the cultural exchange inherent in this work. Ripa's European artistic training intersects with the Chinese subject matter, resulting in a visual interpretation that reflects both his own cultural background and his attempt to understand and represent the foreign landscape. As you look, think about how cultural interactions shape perceptions and representations.