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Empress Dowager cixi’s Image: From Initial Fear of Photography to ⁤Portraits in American Museums

Empress Dowager ⁤Cixi, a pivotal figure in late qing Dynasty China, has long been the ‌subject of debate regarding her appearance. ⁣Accounts from both Chinese sources and foreign observers offer contrasting perspectives, often ⁤intertwined with political considerations.⁢ However, a tangible record of her likeness now exists in the form of photographs and portraits,‍ some ⁣of which ‌are held in prominent​ American museums today.

Initial reactions ⁢to the newly⁢ introduced technology of photography were ​cautious. Cixi reportedly feared the flash, ​believing it to be‌ frightening, and initially refused to⁢ be photographed. It was only after Yu Deling explained ‍the principles of the ‍camera⁢ that ‍she gradually overcame her apprehension and embraced the medium, recognizing its potential for projecting power and ⁣prestige. She​ even commissioned photographs ⁢of herself⁤ portraying Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion,⁢ images that continue⁢ to circulate today.

Foreigners who encountered Cixi also documented their impressions. American female‌ painter Katherine⁣ Carr described her as “Beautiful, young and beautiful, and doesn’t look like a ⁤person‌ in her ⁢seventies. If I didn’t know​ in⁣ advance that she was‍ nearly​ 69 years old, I woudl definately think ‍that this is‌ a middle-aged⁣ woman in her 40s⁤ who is good at taking care of her.” American ⁣painter wars Hubo was surprised to find her more charming ⁣than her photographs, even experiencing “love at frist sight.” British officer Byckhaus, in his twenties, reportedly fell in love with the sixty-year-old Empress, documenting “sweet ⁣moments” in his memoir, “The Fall of Manchuria.”

however, the academic community ⁣generally ⁢views these flattering descriptions with a degree of skepticism, suggesting they were​ often influenced by political motivations or the pursuit of ⁤personal gain.

A meaningful exmaple of Cixi’s image reaching international audiences is the portrait painted by Catherine and displayed ​at the 1904 St. Louis World‍ Expo.⁣ The portrait depicts Cixi as dignified and elegant, with notably slender and white fingers. While differing from her​ appearance in photographs, it aligned more closely with ⁤Western aesthetic preferences.This painting was later​ gifted by Cixi to US President Roosevelt and is currently part of the collection at the Smithsonian Museum of ⁤American Art.

Today, historical photographs and portraits offer a more direct glimpse into the appearance of this​ powerful woman, moving beyond rumor and speculation. These preserved images,including those ⁢housed in American museums,provide a valuable resource for understanding Cixi’s image and legacy.

(Source: Santi News Network SETN.COM – as ⁢indicated in the original prompt)