Dongnaebu sunjeoldo (Patriotic Martyrs at the Battle of Dongnaebu Fortress)

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.392

Category

Painting

Era

조선 영조 36년(1760)

Designated year

1963

Location

노원구, 서울특별시— 서울 노원구 공릉동 사서함 77-1호 육군박물관

Coordinates

37.627219, 127.103332

This is a documentary picture depicting the scene of a battle fought by the military and the people against Japanese troops at Dongnaeseong Fortress on April 15th, 1592, the 25th year of the reign of King Seonjo. The Joseon commander, Song Sang-hyeon, died in the battle. The picture was originally painted in 1709, the 35th year of the reign of King Sukjong, and repainted in 1760, the 36th year of the reign of King Yeongjo, by Byeon Bak, an artist who came from Dongnae. It is painted on silk and it is 96 cm wide by 145 cm long. The artist takes a birds-eye view of the scene so it depicts the fierce battle effectively and realistically. Dongnaeseong Fortress is placed in the center and soldiers are defending it from a turret in the south. The Japanese soldiers are surrounding them three ranks deep and preparing to attack. There is a scene of soldiers throwing a board saying "Easy to die but hard to retreat" at the Japanese soldiers in the lower part of the castle. In another scene, Song Sang-hyeon is dying in a red court suit sitting at the north, while another officer, Yi Gak, and his troops are retreating outside the north gate. Mountains in the upper part of the picture are shown by marking with lines and dots, and they look awkward. The composition, shape and style of the painting are generally regarded as rather awkward, and compared to its theme, its artistic quality is not rated highly.

Location