The early Joseon period is marked by a distinct body of work that vividly illustrates renowned sceneries and locations in China, infused with literary significance and rich nostalgic associations. While this theme was recognized and adapted during the Goryeo dynasty, it reached unprecedented levels of popularity in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, with the majority of surviving paintings hailing from this latter period. The early Joseon scrolls and screens depicting the Eight Views are definitive examples of Korean transformations of this classic theme, showcasing landscapes with broader interpretations. A significant number of these landscapes are crafted in the An Gyeon style, named after the most celebrated and influential landscapist of the early Joseon period. Key characteristics of the An Gyeon style include distinctive cloud-like mountain forms and elegantly rendered pine trees.
Shin Yun-bok
Shin Yun-bok, known as Hyewon, stands out as one of the foremost genre painters of the Joseon period. His genre paintings are unapologetically explicit, showcasing young scholars and noblemen reveling in the company of kisaeng, professional female entertainers. Beyond genre art, Shin excelled in landscapes in the literati style, masterfully portraying birds, animals, and calligraphy. His iconic painting, Boat Party on the Clear River, created in 1758, powerfully serves as an erotic protest against the oppressive Confucian society of Joseon, boldly expressing a desire for individual freedom and personal rebellion. Through his delicate and flowing brushstrokes and exquisite color palette, Shin infuses his genre paintings with a profound sophistication and atmosphere that demands attention.
Jeon, Seong Ho. “Giants of Joseon Art: 3 Korean Painters You Must Know.” Best of Korea, 28 June 2024, https://bestofkorea.com/giants-of-joseon-art-3-korean-artists-you-must-know/#:~:text=Jeong%20Seon%2C%20Kim%20Hong-do%2C%20and%20Shin%20Yun-bok%20are,marking%20an%20important%20era%20of%20Korean%20painting%20history.
Lee, Soyoung. “Art of the Korean Renaissance, 1400–1600: Essay: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.” The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, 1 Jan. 2010, https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/kore/hd_kore.htm
The National Museum of Korea, "Kim Hongdo, album of genre paintings," in Smarthistory, August 19, 2022, accessed December 1, 2024, https://smarthistory.org/kim-hongdo-album-of-genre-paintings/
I really like Asian artwork paintings, languages, and their cultural customs. My home village was founded my a Japaneses pioneer, Frank Yusuda, at the beginning of the last century. This painting was nicely done, the colors of the grey rocks, green leaves, the light blue clothes, the black hats and the black hair really adds to the beauty of this painting. The lines are perfectly done. The texture, shapes, and form makes the painting very nice. I like how the Korean figures are all doing something on the the boat. I would not hang it in my home but I am would enjoy seeing at a museum.
ReplyDeleteThe people on the boat symbolize connection, togetherness, and celebration. The idea of a group of people enjoying each other’s company in such a beautiful, peaceful setting adds an emotional warmth to the scene in "Boat Party on the Clear River" . picture is an inscription: “The sounds of the piri, [a double-reeded bamboo flute] flew away with the wind, and white seagulls are flying in with the waves.” great work and the way you explained each art piece.
ReplyDeleteWow! This blog was fantastic! I love how you were able to relate all the paintings to the Joseon period and describe in detail the different art elements in each painting that made each artist different from the other. Each piece of work is beautiful and was clearly described through background of description of the artwork. Each show Korean art in a unique, beautiful way during the Joseon time period. I loved that I got to learn something new and will probably be hanging one of these amazing pieces of art work in my own home. It's truly fascinating the amount of small detail in each piece. Great job!
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