Portrait of Iseongyun

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1490

Category

Painting

Era

1613년 경

Designated year

2006

Location

종로구, 서울특별시— 서울 종로구 효자로 12, 국립고궁박물관 (세종로,국립고궁박물관)

Coordinates

37.576571, 126.974851

In 1613, the fifth year of King Gwanghaegun, Yi Seong-yun (1570-1620) was appointed a second-rank meritorious subject in recognition of his role in assisting King Gwanghaegun overcome the national crisis following the Japanese Invasion in the late 16th century and ascend the throne. Therefore, it is highly possible that this portrait was painted under royal orders as part of the award. After King Gwanghaegun was ousted in the coup of 1623, however, the government confiscated the certificates and portraits of all meritorious subjects commended under his rule. Hence few portraits of meritorious subjects produced during the reign of King Gwanghaegun remain today. Nevertheless, Yi’s descendants have preserved his certificate as well as this portrait. In the typical style of 17th-century portrait of Joseon meritorious subjects, Yi is wearing a ceremonial robe and seated on a chair half turned to the right. His hands are courteously folded under the sleeves and his feet are spread wide apart on the footrest placed on a colorful carpet. For his status the portrait was extremely carefully produced with precise linear depiction and clear and bright colors densely applied along with gold and silver ornament. The quality was probably due to his status as a senior clan member and the respect for his lofty character, making this painting stand out among similar portraits of the early 17th century.

Location