Portrait of Yi Gwang-sa

Yi Gwang-sa (1705–1777) was one of the representative calligraphers of the Joseon period, who perfected the Wongyo style and established Dongguk jinche, a distinctively Korean form of calligraphy. In the upper right of the portrait is an inscription identifying the subject as Yi Gwang-sa, courtesy name Dobo, pen name Wongyo, of the Gwangsan Yi clan of Joseon, and stating that this version was painted in the winter of gapo, when the master was seventy, by the court painter Sin Han-pyeong; the inscription thus reveals the subject, the date of production and the painter. Based on this record, it is confirmed that the portrait was painted in 1775, depicting Yi Gwang-sa in his final years, by Sin Han-pyeong, the court painter well known as the father of Sin Yun-bok. Overall, through delicate and elegant brushwork and a technique that subtly conveys a sense of relief, the portrait achieves a dignified and profound likeness that, while not striking, is a work of high accomplishment. It is also a rare and valuable work in that, although Sin Han-pyeong was well known for his portraits, almost none of his other works survive. Dimensions (height x width): 66.8 x 53.7 cm.

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Where it is

Region

Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Designation

Treasure · 보물