Quantekong als eerste keizer van China / De godin Quonin 1726

This 1726 engraving by Bernard Picart depicts two scenes from Chinese mythology. The upper panel shows the legendary emperor Quantekong, seated on a throne and receiving offerings from two figures. The lower panel shows the goddess Quonin, seated in a meditative pose, surrounded by worshipers. Picart, a Dutch artist known for his detailed engravings, aimed to capture the exotic and mysterious aspects of Chinese culture, reflecting the growing interest in the East during the 18th century. This artwork, housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a fascinating glimpse into European perceptions of Chinese mythology and art.