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.

Accession no.: 1998.103.8
Credit line: John L. Severance Fund

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.