Artwork

Great Victory at Hu'erman: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems

Great Victory at Hu'erman: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems is a print by the Romanticist artist Jean Damascene Sallusti. It dates from 1770 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Great Victory at Hu'erman is one of a series of etchings documenting the Qing dynasty's military campaigns in the Western Regions, a region corresponding to modern-day Xinjiang province.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a Qing general on horseback leading cavalry through a rocky terrain, symbolizing the military prowess of the Qing dynasty.

Technique & Style

The print blends European etching techniques with Chinese subject matter, showcasing intricate details such as armor and banners. Its style is reminiscent of European artists like Marco Ricci.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by Emperor Qianlong, the etching was part of a series of eight prints celebrating the Qing dynasty's victories in Central Asia, with the emperor appending his own poem to each work.