Gezicht op een deel van het keizerlijk zomerpaleis in Chengde (Jehol) te China 1712 - 1714

Matteo Ripa created this vista of part of the imperial summer palace in Chengde, China as an engraving. The composition is structured around a tranquil body of water, with architectural elements carefully placed along the shoreline. The linear precision of the engraving technique lends itself well to the detailed rendering of landscape features and built structures. The artwork reveals a fascinating interplay between Eastern and Western artistic conventions. Ripa employs a European-style perspective, yet the subject matter reflects an engagement with Chinese imperial life. Notice how the architecture, with its distinct roofs and delicate ornamentation, contrasts with the more naturalistic depiction of the landscape. The sun, rendered with radiating lines, adds a symbolic dimension, perhaps connoting enlightenment. Ultimately, Ripa’s print offers a glimpse into a world far removed from his own, mediated through the lens of his artistic training and cultural background. It challenges us to consider the dynamics of cross-cultural representation and the role of art in bridging disparate worlds.