Empress Dowager Cixi 慈禧

Empress Dowager Cixi (1835–1908) was a prominent Chinese political figure rather than an artist, known for her significant influence over the Qing dynasty during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in Beijing, she rose from the status of a low-ranking concubine to become the de facto ruler of China after the death of her husband, Emperor Xianfeng. Cixi was not directly associated with any art movement, but she was a notable patron of the arts, particularly in the realms of traditional Chinese painting, porcelain, and architecture. Her patronage contributed to the preservation and development of Chinese cultural heritage during a period of significant political and social upheaval. Cixi's reign was marked by efforts to modernize China while maintaining traditional values, a duality reflected in the artistic commissions she supported. Her legacy is complex, as she is both credited with initiating modernization efforts and criticized for her conservative policies that delayed more extensive reforms.