This program explores imperial rituals, court painting, family life, and religion in the Forbidden City, home to 24 of China’s emperors from the Ming (1368-1644) through the Qing dynasty (1644-1911). Utilizing selected objects from the Palace Museum, Beijing, in addition to works from VMFA’s permanent collection, this talk explores the visual and cultural landscape established by Chinese imperial patronage in a rapidly globalizing world. This program will also discuss the Forbidden City’s architecture and construction, as well as the influence of Italian painters on the court painting style of the Qing dynasty.
