1in the second half of 903, Katharine Augusta Carl, an American female painter, became the imperial painter of the most mysterious female ruler in the East. Cole, known as "Miss Ke" in historical materials, was later translated into Carl at the age of 45. 1904 is a huge oil painting painted for Empress Dowager Cixi at the age of 69.

Catherine Carr

She 1903 came to China, and was the sister of Francis Augusta Carl, then the tax department of China Customs. 1903 was recommended by Susan Conger, the wife of American Minister, to paint the Summer Palace as a portrait of the Western Empress. I originally planned to paint twice, but I couldn't take it back. I have been painting for 9 months.

During this time, she spent most of her time in the palace. Nine months of court life not only enabled Carl to complete four portraits of the Western Empress Dowager and seven portraits of princesses, but more importantly, her close contact with Empress Dowager Cixi prompted her to complete this rare work-truly showing the mysterious court twilight of the Qing Empire before its decline and the mysterious private life of Empress Dowager Cixi.