Photography Ketteler’s Cross in the German Legation

A black-and-white photograph showing a cross-shaped monument dedicated to diplomat Clemens von Ketteler (1853–1900) at the German embassy or legation in the Legation Quarter in Beijing (Dongjiaominxiang 東交民巷). Von Ketteler was assassinated on June 20, 1900 during the Boxer Rebellion. On his way to the negotiations, he was shot at close range by a corporal of the Imperial Chinese Army as he passed the Hada Gate (Hademen 哈德門). The perpetrator later stated that he had acted on the orders of his superiors and because of the promised reward. He was executed by beheading.

Next to the monument stands the mythological creature Qilin 麒麟 which is often linked with the impending birth or death of a sage or famous ruler. There is an inscription on the monument:
“Wilhelm II. Deutscher Kaiser
Dem in treuer Pflichterfüllung am 20. Juni 1900
zu Beijing durch ruchlose Mörderhand gefallenen
Gesandten Clemens Freiherrn von Ketteler
1902”

The English translation is: “German Emperor Wilhelm II; to Envoy Clemens Freiherrn von Ketteler, who in faithful performance of duty fell into the hands of an evil murderer on June 20, 1900. 1902”.

The German presence in China was important. This was clear, among other things, from the reaction of the Chinese court to the murder of the German diplomat Clemens von Ketteler (1853–1900). At that time, the Chinese courtier Chun (Chun Qinwang Zaifeng 预親王載灃, reigned 1908–1911), the father of the last Chinese emperor Pu Yi (reigned 1908–1912, 1917), travelled to Germany, where he paid homage to the German emperor. In addition to the monument in the photo, a monument in the form of a traditional Chinese Pai (Pailou 牌樓) was erected at the site of Ketteler’s assassination on the initiative of the Chinese court.

The photograph is the 25th of 449 photographs of Beijing and its surroundings in the album of Ivan Skušek Jr., purchased during his stay in Beijing (1914–1920). In the handwritten inventory of the album, the photograph is referred to as Deutsche Gesandtschaft: Ketteller-Kreuz. (DZ)