Ferdinand Augustin Hallerstein on Giuseppe Castiglione`s Art

Abstract

Ferdinand Augustin Hallerstein (1703–1774) (Chinese name Liu Songling) was a Slovenian Jesuit, astronomer and mathematician who made an important contribution to the development of science and astronomy in 18th century China. He arrived in Beijing in 1739, and in 1746 was appointed to succeed Ignatius Kogler as Head of the Imperial Board of Astronomy, a position he would hold until his own death nearly 30 years later. Throughout his four decades in China, Hallerstein maintained a rich correspondence with family members, other Jesuits in Europe, and even with the Queen of Portugal, Maria Anna. He was also a corresponding member of the Royal Societies of London, Paris and St. Petersburg. His letters have only recently been collected and edited.The present paper will focus on Hallerstein’s letters and what they tell us about the life and art of the celebrated Jesuit painter, Giuseppe Castiglione (1688–766), especially during the reign of the Emperor Qianlong (1711–799). After a brief introduction on Hallerstein’s life and work, by means of comparative analyses and using an interdisciplinary approach, the paper will explore a) Hallerstein’s views on Castiglione and his art, and b) Chinese court painting and Castiglione’s position at the court. It will conclude with new evidence concerning Castiglione’s artistic achievements.