Giuseppe Castiglione, S.J. ( pinyin: Láng Shìníng)

    Giuseppe Castiglione, S.J. ( pinyin: Láng Shìníng) (July 19, 1688 – July 17, 1766) was an Italian Jesuit Brother, missionary in China, painter at the court of the Emperor.

    Born in Milan's San Marcellino district, Castiglione studied painting in Italy with Carlo Cornara of the renowned Bottega degli Stampatori painting studio. In 1709, he became a Jesuit 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.

    While in China, Castiglione took the name Lang Shining. In addition to his demonstrable skill as a painter, he was also in charge of designing the Western-Style Palaces in the imperial gardens of the Old Summer Palace. This prominent Jesuit artist, architect, and missionary died in Beijing.

    The header is one of the most famous artworks by Lang shining.