Giuseppe Castiglione (painter)
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Rev. Giuseppe Castiglione, S.J. (Chinese: 郎世宁; pinyin: Láng Shìníng) (July 19, 1688 – 1766) was an Italian painter, court artist and Jesuit missionary to China.
Born in Milan's San Macellino district, Castiglione studied painting in Italy with Carlo Cornara of the renowned Botteghe degli Stampator painting studio. In 1709, he became a Jesuit priest 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. He was also in charge of designing the Western-Style Palaces in the imperial gardens of the Old Summer Palace.
While in China, Castiglione took the name Lang Shining (郎世宁). Apart from his paintings Castiglione also designed a summer palace for Emperor Qianlong. He died in Beijing.
In 2005, Castiglione became the subject of the television series Palace Artist in China, played by famed foreign actor Dashan (Mark Rowswell), and broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV).
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