Seogwoldoan

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.1534

Category

Painting

Designated year

2007

Location

성북구, 서울특별시— 서울 성북구 안암로 145, 고려대학교박물관 (안암동5가,고려대학교안암캠퍼스(인문사회계))

Coordinates

37.589600, 127.029900Museum-based location

Western Palace refers to Gyeonghuigung Palace, which is located west of the main Gyeongbokgung Palace. Gyeonghuigung was built in 1620 (the 12th year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign). It was originally named Gyeongdeokgung, but was given the present name in 1760 (the 36th year of King Yeongjo’s reign). This uncolored line drawing provides a full view of the palace complex but markedly differs in style from the more famous Donggwoldo (The Eastern Palaces), which is National Treasure No. 249. Gyeonghuigung as depicted in this painting partially differs in appearance from that in the Protocol of the Office for Construction of the Western Palace, which documents repairs on the palace undertaken in 1830 to 1831 after many pavilions were lost in a fire in 1829. Hence, the painting is assumed to have been produced before those repairs. The painting was executed mostly with fine outline technique, with traces of under-drawing remaining here and there. Mountains and trees were skillfully depicted with lines of different thickness to achieve a painterly quality, though to a limited extent. The buildings were painted in clear straight lines using a ruler, with the names written on the roofs. Now that the palace has been seriously damaged with many pavilions moved or transformed, the painting will be a useful reference for reconstruction. It is also worthy of note as a draft work, offering a glimpse into the painting process.

Location