Portrait of Yusuk

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1479

Category

Painting

Designated year

2006

Location

춘천시, 강원특별자치도— 강원도 춘천시 우석로 70 (석사동, 국립춘천박물관)

Coordinates

No precise coordinates are available, so this item is not shown as a map marker. To be added later.

Yu Suk (1564-1636) was cited for his role in subduing a rebellion in 1613 (the 5th year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign). His full-length portrait has been handed down along with four drafts. The clan association of his descendants also keeps two certificates of his passing state examinations, a white certificate for the lower level civil service examination and a red certificate for the higher level examination, and a certificate of promotion in his wife’s official rank due to his meritorious service. In the typical mid-Joseon style of portraits of meritorious subjects, Yu is depicted wearing a black ceremonial robe and sitting on a chair, in a three-quarter view from left. The black silk hat has a low crown and cloud patterns on the wings expressed with light ink. The robe has a rank badge featuring a pair of silver pheasants and the sash has gold plates, indicating Yu was a third-rank official when he sat for the portrait. The face is rendered in a pale skin tone, with the eyes, nose and mouth outlined in a slightly darker tone. As frequently seen in portraits of meritorious subjects of the mid-Joseon Dynasty, a few vertical wrinkles between the eyebrows give the face a pensive look. It is noteworthy that the irises are rendered in gold leaf. The lower eyelids have natural wrinkles and the cheeks are slightly blushed. The lips are rather pale but clearly outlined. The state examination certificates show Yu’s first name was Gil before he changed it to Suk. The certificates are valuable material for studying his life and official career.