Artwork

The Presentation of Uigur Captives: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems

The Presentation of Uigur Captives: from Battle Scenes of the Quelling of Rebellions in the Western Regions, with Imperial Poems is a print by the Romanticist artist Jean Denis Attiret. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work is a printed etching that depicts the presentation of Uigur captives, illustrating a moment from the Qing dynasty’s campaigns in the Western Regions, now known as Xinjiang. It belongs to a series created to document the empire’s military successes against regional rebellions.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures the moment when captured Uigur individuals are displayed before Qing officials, symbolising the subjugation of the revolt and the restoration of imperial order. The portrayal emphasizes the authority of the Qing state and the defeat of the insurgents.

Technique & Style

Executed as a fine line etching, the composition reflects the detailed, narrative approach typical of court-sponsored prints of the eighteenth century. The work shows influences from Western artistic methods introduced to the Chinese court, a style also seen in the paintings of Jean‑Denis Attiret, who blended European perspective with Chinese conventions.

History & Provenance

Emperor Qianlong (r. 1735–1796) commissioned the series and contributed a poem to each plate, expressing his personal commendation of the military achievements. The poems serve as a textual complement, linking the visual record to the emperor’s own voice.

Context

The etchings were produced during a period when the Qing government was consolidating control over the Xinjiang region, following a series of uprisings. By documenting these events, the imperial court sought to legitise its expansionist policies and celebrate the effectiveness of its armed forces.