Pictorial Representations of Sun Yat-sen

Pictures are widely considered as one of the most important types of historical evidence. There has been widespread discussion among both Chinese and foreign historians such as Peter Burke (Eyewitnessing: The Uses of Images as Historical Evidence) and Pingyuan Chen (Zuǒ Tú Yòu Shǐ Yǔ Xīxué Dōng Yí—Wǎn Qīng Huàbào Yánjiū [Left Image Right History and the Eastwards Movement of Western Studies- The Study of Late Qing Illustrated Newspapers])) about the usage of pictures in historical research. In his seminal work "When Images Speak," Ko-wu Huang has further highlighted the importance of the above-mentioned method.

The contribution of Dr. Sun Yat-sen (1866-1925) to the Chinese revolution of 1911 is undeniable, as he has been widely praised by Chinese and non-Chinese alike across the globe due to his long period of living abroad. Acknowledging the extensive international media coverage of Dr. Sun's efforts to spread the revolutionary ideals in the 19th century, this research project attempts to provide some alternative perspectives for Sun Yat-sen studies by critically analyzing the wide variety of Dr. Sun's pictorial narrative in foreign newspapers. Owing to their abundance, only a portion of them can be displayed in the exhibition. An analysis of the images of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in newspapers outside China since the 19th century may demonstrate the international significance of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

Undoubtedly, Dr. Sun Yat-sen is China’s most influencial political figure in the 19th century. Not only is he well-known by his fellow Chinese, but also intrigues people world-wide. The pictorial narrative in foreign newspapers presented in this exhibition thus indicates the great impact of Dr Sun, showing he does not simply belong to China and Asia, but also to the world!

Research findings: Exhibition Archive Pictorial Representations of Sun Yat-sen