Portrait of Bakmunsu

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1189-1

Category

Painting

Designated year

1994

Location

천안시, 충청남도— 충남 천안시 동남구 천안대로 429-13, 천안박물관 (삼룡동,천안박물관)

Coordinates

36.786733, 127.163253

These two portraits depict Bak Mun-su (1691-1756), who served as a civil official during the reign of King Youngjo of the Joseon Dynasty. After he passed the military service national examination in 1723, Bak Mun-su got appointed amhaengeosa (secret royal inspector) and contributed to rescuing poor people by cracking down on corrupt government officials. The two portraits have been handed down to the head house of the Bak Family’s Clan and are made in different sizes. One portrait measures 100 ㎝ wide and 165.3 ㎝ long, whereas the other portrait measures 45.3 ㎝ wide and 59.9 ㎝ long. The bigger portrait depicts young Bak Mun-su when he was 38 years old and shows a typical portrait of a meritorious subject. It is a full-body portrait of the subject sitting on a chair covered with tiger skin. He is clasping his two hands, which are hidden in the sleeves, and his feet are placed on a foot rest, assuming a 八 shape. He is wearing a green official garment with the rank badge on the chest part embroidered with two cranes and clouds. He also dons a golden waistband. His face looks graceful and has minimal mustache. The portrait seems to have been painted by a skillful painter according to the shadow technique used in creating this portrait. The other portrait depicts Bak Mun-su who is wearing a red official garment; it is a half-body portrait painted intricately. The condition of the two portraits is relatively good, and the quality is excellent.

Location