Myeong Go Portrait

This is a portrait of Jeong Gan (1692–1757), a civil official of late Joseon. Jeong passed the civil service examination in 1725, the first year of King Yeongjo, and during his career in various posts was recognised as a cheongbaengni, an official noted for incorruptibility. He was accomplished in scholarship and worked to set state policy on a right course, and is said to have governed so benevolently that even Japanese residents raised a stele praising him. The portrait is a full-length image showing Jeong neatly dressed in the official robes he wore while carrying out his duties, seated in a chair covered with tiger skin. It follows the general format of late-Joseon portraiture, but is notable in that, unlike most such portraits, which show the sitter turned slightly to the right, this one faces directly forward. On the footrest, the shape of the tiger's nose can be seen between the two feet. The forward-facing pose, the tall samo (an official's black gauze cap) on his head, and the narrow, elongated cuffs projecting beneath his clasped hands all suggest a date in the early eighteenth century, and the overall style recalls that of the reigns of King Sukjong and King Yeongjo. It is also said that the portrait was painted by the local people of Seoncheon, in gratitude for the benevolent rule Jeong gave them while serving there as busa (magistrate).

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongcheon, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산