Despite their best intentions, European missionaries to China became known more for their skills in art and science than for the Christian messages they were sent out to preach. Along with clocks and western style music, European oil painting techniques were introduced to China by European missionaries.

Emperor Yongzheng in business suit

Some of them were such skilled oil painters that their skills were admired and accepted by the Chinese elite. Using a combination of western style oil painting and traditional Chinese techniques to suit the local aesthetic, foreign painters began to work in the Imperial Court. Italian artist Giuseppe Castiglione was the most famous western painter in China during this period.

 Giuseppe Castiglione: The Mix Master

In 1714, a trading ship stopped in Guangzhou with seven foreign missionaries on board. The local government officials immediately reported them to Emperor Kangxi, who s demanded to know whether they had scientific knowledge or were simply religious preachers. He ordered the missionaries who found to also be science experts to come to the capital and sent the others back.. Among the missionaries who were allowed to stay was Giuseppe Castiglione.

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