Englisch: Lord Amherst
Lord Amherst
Amherst’s mission was a failure. He signaled that he would refuse to kowtow (kòu tóu)—the traditional act of reverence before the Chinese emperor, which involved kneeling and bowing low to the ground—unless the Chinese officials would show similar deference to a portrait of the British king. Affronted, Emperor Jiaqing sent Amherst and his embassy home without meeting with them.
Back at home Amherst was admired for his actions, which were seen as upholding British honor. This portrait, in fact, was commissioned to hang in the British East India Company’s office in Canton. The full-length format, imposing column, and Amherst’s determined expression and official ambassadorial robes all express solemn ceremony, resolve, and dignity.
Relevante Bilder
Relevante Artikel
William Amherst, 1. Earl AmherstWilliam Pitt Amherst, 1. Earl Amherst GCH PC war ein britischer Politiker und Staatsmann. Er war Generalgouverneur von Indien von August 1823 bis Februar 1828. .. weiterlesen