This morning, November 7, at Thanh Tan So National Monument, the Department of Information and Communications, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Cam Lo District jointly organized the book launch program "Ham Nghi: Emperor in exile - artist in Alger" and opened the exhibition space for artifacts and documents about King Ham Nghi and the Can Vuong movement in Cam Lo District, Quang Tri Province. Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the province Dao Manh Hung; Dr. Amadine Dabat, the 5th generation descendant of King Ham Nghi; leaders of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center; Hue Royal Antiquities Museum; People's Committee of Huong Khe District, Ha Tinh Province attended.
Delegates attending the program - Photo: DV
Ham Nghi - the 8th emperor of the Nguyen Dynasty - was not only a young king who rose up to lead the Can Vuong uprising when his country was invaded, but also a talented man with a deep love for art.
Despite having to endure exile in a foreign land since he was very young, he overcame difficulties and flourished as a painter, sculptor and true creator. The book “Ham Nghi: Exiled Emperor – Artist in Alger” is the work of Dr. Amadine Dabat, an art historian, a 5th generation descendant of King Ham Nghi, and the great-granddaughter of Princess Nhu Ly (daughter of Ham Nghi).
Dr. Amadine Dabat chose to study her ancestors for her doctoral thesis instead of her previous intention of studying Greek archaeology in depth. This is not only a scientific work but also an emotional journey, filled with family affection and pride in her roots.
Dr. Amadine Dabat introduces the book "Ham Nghi: Emperor in exile - artist in Algiers" - Photo: DV
Book "Ham Nghi: Emperor in exile - artist in Algiers" - Photo: DV
The book is over 500 pages thick, including 71 pages of fine art works, 12 pages of sculptures, 68 pages of documentary photos, letters... reconstructing a part of the history and soul of Emperor Ham Nghi - a man who represents the nation's indomitable will and the spirit of overcoming adversity. Although living under the control of French colonialism, he never stopped thinking about his homeland and yearning for his roots.
The book also introduces the paintings and sculptures of artist Ham Nghi, the woodwork and wickerwork of artisan Ham Nghi, and the little-known artistic aspects of the emperor. His paintings rarely feature people, they are simply landscapes and when looking at Ham Nghi's paintings, viewers find it difficult to distinguish whether the landscape is in France, Alger or Vietnam.
That was the way the emperor wanted to express his pain and nostalgia for his homeland, and that was also the way he chose to overcome difficulties and adversity.
Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Cam Lo province Dao Manh Hung and leaders of Cam Lo district received artifacts donated by descendants of King Ham Nghi - Photo: DV
Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Cam Lo province Dao Manh Hung and leaders of Cam Lo district presented flowers and souvenirs to the descendants of King Ham Nghi - Photo: DV
Through the pen of Dr. Amandine Dabat, the image of a patriotic king, a loving father, a talented artist, romantic and passionate in love... Dr. Amadine Dabat has portrayed a little-known aspect of Ham Nghi - an emperor with a romantic soul, loved and admired by many women.
When he went to France, he befriended the writer Judith Gautier, who fell in love with him passionately, though hopelessly. For 17 years, she gave him pure, unconditional love even after he was married. As an exiled emperor, he could not reciprocate her love, although he loved and cherished her feelings very much. Therefore, her passionate love for him turned into a deep and lasting friendship.
Dr. Amadine Dabat also devoted 13 pages to the deep and passionate love story between Ham Nghi and Gabrielle Capek - a tutor for his children. At that time, Ham Nghi was 47 years old and Capek was 29 years old. And it was a passionate love that followed him until the end of his life. Ham Nghi had 37 letters written to Capek preserved.
Chairman of Cam Lo District People's Committee Tran Anh Tuan presented the book "Ham Nghi: Emperor in exile - artist in Alger" to the representative of Huong Khe District People's Committee, Ha Tinh Province - Photo: DV
Cam Lo district leaders presented the book "Ham Nghi: Emperor in exile - artist in Alger" to schools in the district - Photo: DV
The book “Ham Nghi: Exiled Emperor - Artist in Alger” is not only an important historical and cultural document but also opens up profound perspectives on a turbulent period in the nation’s history. At the same time, the book has provided many new documents, shedding light on the life and soul of a special emperor. With his diverse talents, Ham Nghi deserves to be considered a pioneer in opening up the development of oil painting, pastel painting and modern sculpture in Vietnam.
Ribbon cutting ceremony to open the exhibition space of artifacts and documents about King Ham Nghi and the Can Vuong movement - Photo: DV
After the book launch ceremony, the opening ceremony of the exhibition space for artifacts and documents about King Ham Nghi and the Can Vuong movement took place in Cam Lo district.
In the exhibition space, there are hundreds of artifacts and documents of historical and cultural value related to King Ham Nghi and the Can Vuong movement. Coming to this space, visitors will understand and admire more about the glorious time of the nation; about the young king who loved his country and fought against the French, starting the Can Vuong movement that spread throughout the country.
An artifact on display at the Temple of King Ham Nghi and Can Vuong generals - Photo: DV
On this occasion, leaders of Quang Tri province and Cam Lo district received a number of artifacts donated by descendants of King Ham Nghi; leaders of Cam Lo district presented souvenirs to descendants of King Ham Nghi; Cam Lo district presented the book "Ham Nghi: Exiled Emperor - Artist in Alger" to schools in the district and representatives of the People's Committee of Huong Khe district, Ha Tinh province.
Introducing to students artifacts and documents about King Ham Nghi and the Can Vuong movement - Photo: DV
This is a meaningful event to exploit and promote the value of cultural and historical heritage; contribute to connecting the awareness of the origin of Vietnamese people at home and abroad; towards celebrating the 140th anniversary of King Ham Nghi's Can Vuong Edict on July 13 (1885-2025).
German Vietnamese
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/ra-mat-sach-ham-nghi-hoang-de-luu-vong-nghe-si-o-alger-va-khai-truong-khong-gian-trung-bay-hien-vat-tu-lieu-ve-vua-ham-nghi-phong-trao-can-vuong-189566.htm
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