Jiao Bingzhen

Who was Jiao Bingzhen?

Jiāo Bǐngzhēn, 1689–1726 was a native of Jining, Shandong who became a noted painter and astronomer. In painting he is noteworthy as one of the first Qing dynasty painters to be influenced by the West. He is also was among the more significant portrait and miniature painters in the early Qing. He was skilled in painting people, landscapes, and buildings.

The Western influence in his art came from his exposure to the Jesuits at the Directorate of Astronomy. Their influence also exposed him to new ideas on astronomy and religion. At some point Jiao became a Roman Catholic and played a role on the Jesuit side of the Chinese Rites controversy.

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Paintings of Ladies - Leaf #2. Ink and color on silk. Width 20.4 cm, Height 30.9 cm. National Palace Museum

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Landscapes - Leaf #2. Ink on paper. Width 26.4 cm, Height 26.2 cm. National Palace Museum