S.M. Tze Chi l'Impératrice Douairière de Chine Circa 1900

This original poster printed in color lithography was produced circa 1900 as number 11 in Le Musée de Sires. It portrays Empress Dowager Cixi, the powerful political figure who exercised considerable influence over the Qing court during the late nineteenth century.

Roubille constructs the portrait through broad decorative forms: patterned robes, long strings of pearls, a large headdress and an open parasol. Pale grey, cream and orange stand against a deep black ground, giving the composition exceptional visual clarity.

Published at a moment of heightened European interest in China, the image reflects the conventions—and biases—of Western political caricature around 1900. Its historical value lies partly in revealing how influential non-European rulers were interpreted by the contemporary French press.

Auguste Roubille was a leading illustrator and caricaturist of Belle Époque Paris. His work combined Art Nouveau economy of line with a talent for converting complex political identities into memorable graphic silhouettes.

Both decorative and historically revealing, this poster is an important collecting opportunity for admirers of political graphics, Chinese history and French illustrated satire.

Original Poster

Caricature - Press - China

The museum of Sires - Guelerie Contemporaine Number 11

A. Malverge Paris

Good condition, small tears