Portrait of Yeoninggun

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1491

Category

Painting

Era

18세기초

Designated year

2006

Location

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

Coordinates

37.576571, 126.974851

According to the title at top left, this is a Portrait of Prince Yeoning, later King Yeongjo (1694-1776), produced when he was 21 years old, before ascending the throne. The prince is depicted wearing a green ceremonial robe with a badge featuring a mythical white animal and sash, a black silk hat and black deerskin boots, in a four-fifths view from left. In the typical Joseon style, he is seated on a chair, with hands folded under long sleeves. The Portrait was painted by Jin Jae-hae (?-before 1735) in 1714. It was ensconced at Taeryeongjeon Hall in Gyeonghuigung Palace in 1745 (the 21st year of King Yeongjo’s reign), and moved to Seonwonjeon Hall in 1778 (the second year of King Jeongjo’s reign). In between it was briefly kept in Gyeonghyeondang Hall. About one-third of the portrait was destroyed in a fire during the Korean War (1950-1953); but as the face and much of the costume remain intact it is still an important source for study of Joseon royal portraits. Only a handful of royal portraits of the Joseon Dynasty remain, including the Portraits of King Taejo (1335-1408), the founding monarch, housed at Gyeonggijeon Shrine in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do; and of Kings Cheoljong (1831-1863) and Ikjong (1809-1830), both at the National Palace Museum in Seoul. This prince’s portrait is cherished even more because of its rarity. Also, Jin Jae-hae was a renowned court portraitist, who served as the chief portrait painter for King Sukjong in 1713, the 39th year of his reign. He also participated in the production of literati portraits, including one for Jo Yeong-bok, elder brother of Jo Yeong-seok. This Portrait of Prince Yeoning is highly regarded as a standard work for studying early 18th-century portraits of Joseon men in official outfits. Another important piece from the period is the Portrait of Kang Hyeon, designated Treasure No. 589.

Location