Portrait of Heo Mok

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1509

Category

Painting

Era

1794

Designated year

2007

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

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This half-length portrait depicts Heo Mok (1595-1682), a renowned scholar-official of the mid-Joseon Dynasty, dressed in the pale pink everyday robe of an official, in a three-quarter view from left. The old scholar, with his famous white eyebrows, is wearing a high black silk hat and a sash. According to the colophon at top, King Jeongjo was greatly impressed by Heo Mok’s personality and in 1794, the 18th year of his reign, asked Chae Je-gong to find out how he could attain a three-quarter view portrait of him. Therefore, a portrait of Heo painted when he was 82 was brought from his old house, Eungeodang (literally meaning “House of Reclusion,” presented by King Sukjong in 1678), so that court portraitist Yi Myeong-gi could make a copy. The title along the right edge was calligraphed by Chae at this time. Although posthumously produced, this portrait is considered an important work representing the 17th-century literati portrait style, since the original is not handed down. Successfully conveying the subject’s character, it shows the outstanding ability of Yi Myeong-gi, the most celebrated palace portraitist of his time.