Cixi by Katherine A. Carl

In China, formal paintings were originally painted after death. These paintings were then hung in the ancestor worship altars and worshipped by relatives. It was even punishable by law for others to collect imperial portraits. Cixi’s decision to allow this portrait to be painted while she was alive and to display it in the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition undoubtedly challenged the ancient custom. Furthermore,the painting shows us that every detail was well thought-out, which makes it even more fun to explore!