Portrait of Simhwanji

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1480

Category

Painting

Era

18세기말

Designated year

2006

Location

용인시, 경기도— 경기도 용인시 기흥구 상갈로 6 (상갈동, 경기도박물관)

Coordinates

37.268330, 127.108756

Sim Hwan-ji (1730-1802) was appointed as a third state councilor in 1798 and a first state councilor in 1800. He had enormous political influence as leader of the Party of Principle. In this full-length portrait Sim is wearing a dark green ceremonial robe and a high black silk hat. With both hands inside his sleeves, he is seated on a chair with his face slightly turned to the left. The title along the upper edge reads, “Portrait of Master Sim Manpo, First State Councilor and Lord of Munchung,” suggesting the portrait was painted after 1800. The relatively low footrest, the decorative rush mat expressed in perspective and the robe showing chiaroscuro represent the realistic portrait style of the early 19th century. In view of the extremely precise depiction of the face, costume and props as well as the subject’s lofty status, the portrait is presumed to be the work of Yi Myeong-gi, one of the most prominent portrait painters at the time, or another court painter of comparable skill. The face successfully expresses Sim’s character as an experienced old politician. The different textures of the props are also skillfully expressed, resulting in dynamic visual effects. The painter displayed ingenuity in harmonizing realistic and ornamental elements, a marked feature of late Joseon portrait painting.

Location