Keizer Qianlong omringd door zijn troepen 1784

Isidore-Stanislas Helman’s *Keizer Qianlong omringd door zijn troepen* is an engraving from 1784 depicting Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty surrounded by his troops. This print, part of a larger series, offers a glimpse into European perceptions of China during the 18th century, particularly in the context of military power and imperial grandeur. The detailed depiction of the Chinese emperor and his vast army highlights the fascination with the Qing Empire in the West, as well as its growing influence on the world stage. The work, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, reflects the growing interest in visual documentation of distant cultures and societies.