Portrait of Yu Geun

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.566

Category

Painting

Era

조선시대(17세기)

Designated year

1972

Location

괴산군, 충청북도— 충청북도 괴산군

Coordinates

No precise coordinates are available, so this item is not shown as a map marker. To be added later.

This portrait of Yu Geun, a scholar-official of mid-Joseon is 89cm by 163cm and is painted in ink and color on silk. Yu Geun (1549-1627) was noted for his penmanship in his time with his reputation known even to foreign envoys visiting Joseon. During Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion of 1592), he was actively involved in activities having to do with relations with the Ming Dynasty. In this full-length portrait, Yu Geun is shown in formal attire, donning a court official’s costume. The eyes are cast toward the right, and the two hands, gathered in front of him, are hidden inside the sleeves. The hat has a very low peak, true to the mid-Joseon style in court official’s headgears. The face is painted in a sheer layer of a bright flesh color. The embroidered patch at the chest features a peacock with peony flowers. Through the opening at the right side, the blue and green linings of the costume are visible. The floor is covered with a sumptuously-patterned carpet in various deep color tones. The portrait was realized in 1619 (the 11th year of Gwanghae’s reign) when Yun Geun was seventy-one years of age. It was painted on the occasion of bestowal of the tile “Jinwonbuwongun” for having escorted the king to safety during the war. This original copy of Yu Geun’s portrait, amongst the finest examples of 17th-century meritorious retainer portraits, is rigorously faithful to Joseon’s portrait style for court officials.