Giuseppe Castiglione

Giuseppe Castiglione (, July 19 1688-1766) was a painter, court artist and Jesuit missionary to China.

Born in the San Macellino district of Milan, Castiglione studied painting in Italy with Carlo Cornara of the reknown Botteghe degli Stampator painting studio. In 1709, he became a Jesuit and in 1715, he went to China as a missionary. His skill as an artist was appreciated by the Emperor Qianlong and Castiglione spent many years painting various subjects. His style was a unique blend of European painting with Chinese subjects and themes.

Whilst in China Castiglione took the name Lang Shining. Apart from his beautiful paintings Castiglione also designed a summer palace for Qianlong. He died in Beijing.

External Link

• National Palace Museum Taiwan