Portrait of Iwonik

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1435

Category

Painting

Era

17세기초

Designated year

2005

Location

광명시, 경기도— 경기 광명시 오리로347번길 5-6, 충현박물관 (소하동)

Coordinates

37.433236, 126.877593

This portrait of Yi Won-ik (penname: Ori, 1547-1634) was painted to commemorate his appointment to 2nd rank Hoseonggongsin in 1604, a form of recognition bestowed on meritorious subjects who attended on Kings Seonjo to Uiju. The portrait appears to have been painted at a later date than 1604, as the shape of the samo (official’s hat) is different compared to those seen in portraits of cheongnangongsin (recognition bestowed on meritorious subjects for their distinguished services in quelling the Yi Mong-hak Rebellion) and seonmugongsin (recognition bestowed on meritorious subjects for their distinguished services during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592) that were painted at that time. Yi Won-ik’s other name was Gongryeo, his penname was Ori, and his family origin, Jeonju. He was the son of Yi Eok-jae and the great-great-grandson of Prince Ingnyeong Yi Chi, the son of King Taejong. Yi Won-ik passed the civil service examination in 1569 (the 2nd year of the reign of King Seonjo), and was appointed to government posts such as Daesaheon (Chief of the Board of Audit and Inspection), Hojopanseo (Minister of Taxation) and Ijopanseo (Minister of Personnel), and was recognized as the most clean-handed government official of the Joseon Dynasty. The full-length portrait of Yi Won-ik seated on a chair is painted on a long scroll. He is depicted wearing an official hat and the black uniform of an official, with his left hand placed over his right hand, in a gesture of respect. Each side of his hat is decorated with cloud patterns. There is no contrast between the areas of light and shadow on his face, and his facial features are mainly drawn in simple lines. His feet, which are clad in black leather shoes typically worn by Joseon officials, rest on a footstool. There is a patterned carpet on the floor. These are typical characteristics of portraits of meritorious subjects drawn at that time.

Location