Artwork

Receiving Surrender from the Eli: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems

Receiving Surrender from the Eli: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems is a print by the Romanticist artist Giuseppe Castiglione. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This painting shows a scene of soldiers and horses in a desert landscape.
The artist was commissioned by Emperor Qianlong to create this work, which is part of a set of etchings. The emperor even added his own poem to each etching, showing his pride in his military.
You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Giuseppe Castiglione (Italian, 1688–1766)

Overview

Receiving Surrender from the Eli is an etching from a series commissioned by Emperor Qianlong to visually document the military campaigns in the Western Regions (present-day Xinjiang province). The work depicts a desert landscape scene of soldiers and horses.

Subject & Meaning

The etching specifically portrays the surrender of the Eli, symbolizing the imperial authority and military prowess of the Qing dynasty under Qianlong. The scene emphasizes the conquest of the Western Regions.

Technique & Style

While the specific techniques used in this etching are not detailed here, the work is associated with the style influenced by Giuseppe Castiglione, suggesting a blend of European and Chinese artistic methods, characteristic of Qing court art during this period.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by Emperor Qianlong, this etching is part of a set celebrating Qing military victories. Each piece in the series includes an imperial poem by Qianlong, highlighting his personal involvement and pride in these campaigns.

Context

Created during the Qing dynasty’s expansion, the work reflects the imperial interest in documenting and glorifying military achievements in the Western Regions, then a critical frontier area.

Legacy

As part of Qianlong’s commissioned works, 'Receiving Surrender from the Eli' contributes to the historical record of Qing military history and the artistic fusion of European and Chinese techniques under imperial patronage.