12.2 Joseon Dynasty painting traditions

Joseon Dynasty painting traditions reflect the cultural and philosophical shifts of Korea from the 14th to 19th centuries. Landscape, portrait, and genre paintings dominated, evolving from Chinese-influenced styles to uniquely Korean expressions.

Royal patronage shaped artistic trends through the Dohwaseo (Royal Bureau of Painting). Notable artists like Jeong Seon and Kim Hong-do pioneered new styles, while painting traditions evolved from formal court styles to more diverse and expressive forms.

Joseon Dynasty Painting Genres

Landscape and Portrait Painting

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• Landscape painting "san-su-hwa" dominated Joseon art depicting idealized scenes of mountains and water influenced by Neo-Confucian philosophy
• "True-view" landscape style "jingyeong sansu" emerged in 18th century focusing on realistic depictions of actual Korean scenery (Mount Geumgang, Han River)
• Portrait painting "chosang" evolved to include formal portraits of royalty and scholars as well as informal individual depictions
• Formal portraits adhered to strict conventions (frontal pose, symbolic backgrounds) while informal portraits allowed more artistic freedom

Genre and Literati Painting

• Genre painting "풍속화" (pungsokhwa) gained popularity in later Joseon period depicting everyday life scenes (markets, festivals, rural activities)
• "문인화" (muninhwa) literati painting style emphasized personal expression and brushwork becoming prominent among scholar-artists
• Literati paintings often incorporated poetry and calligraphy reflecting the artist's education and philosophical views
• Popular subjects for literati paintings included the "Four Gentlemen" (plum blossoms, orchids, chrysanthemums, bamboo)

Religious and Bird-and-Flower Painting

• Buddhist art continued but with less prominence compared to earlier dynasties due to state promotion of Neo-Confucianism
• Buddhist paintings focused on depicting important deities (Buddha, bodhisattvas) and illustrating sutras
• Bird-and-flower paintings gained popularity showcasing detailed depictions of flora and fauna (peonies, chrysanthemums, cranes, tigers)
• These paintings often carried symbolic meanings (longevity, prosperity, wisdom) rooted in Korean culture and philosophy

Royal Patronage in Joseon Art

The Royal Bureau of Painting (Dohwaseo)

• Dohwaseo established to train and employ court painters ensuring steady supply of skilled artists for royal commissions
• Hierarchical system within Dohwaseo influenced artistic production assigning different ranks of painters to specific genres or subjects
• Court painters created official portraits of royal family historical records and ceremonial paintings adhering to strict artistic conventions
• Visual documentation of important events rituals and diplomatic missions served both artistic and historical purposes (royal processions, state ceremonies)

Royal Influence on Artistic Trends

• Royal patronage significantly shaped themes and styles of paintings reflecting political and philosophical ideologies of ruling class
• King's personal taste and interests influenced artistic trends (King Jeongjo's promotion of practical learning impacted realistic depictions)
• Court painters enjoyed prestige and stable employment but faced constraints from demands and expectations of royal patrons
• Royal commissions often required specific subjects and styles limiting artistic innovation in official works

Notable Joseon Dynasty Painters

Pioneers of Korean Landscape and Genre Painting

• Jeong Seon (1676-1759) pioneered "true-view" landscape style revolutionizing Korean painting by focusing on actual Korean scenery
• Kim Hong-do (1745-1806) known as Danwon excelled in various genres renowned for genre paintings depicting everyday life with humor
• Shin Yun-bok (1758-1813) known as Hyewon pushed boundaries of genre painting with bold depictions of sensual themes and common people's lives

Masters of Various Genres and Styles

• Yi Sang-jwa (1744-1820) mastered bird-and-flower genre known for delicate and realistic portrayals of nature (butterflies, flowers)
• Jang Seung-eop (1843-1897) known as Owon renowned for expressive and unconventional style bridging traditional techniques with modern sensibilities
• Kim Jeonghui (1786-1856) primarily known as calligrapher significantly influenced development of literati painting and integration of calligraphy with painting

Early vs Late Joseon Painting Traditions

Stylistic Evolution

• Early Joseon (15th-16th centuries) painting adhered strongly to Chinese Ming dynasty styles emphasizing formal portraiture and landscapes
• Middle Joseon (17th-18th centuries) saw gradual shift towards distinctly Korean styles exemplified by emergence of "true-view" landscape painting
• Late Joseon (19th century) witnessed flourishing of genre painting and diverse range of subjects reflecting societal changes and interest in everyday life

Changes in Artistic Practices and Influences

• Buddhist painting declined from early to late Joseon due to state promotion of Neo-Confucianism but experienced revival in later years
• Western art techniques (linear perspective, chiaroscuro) became more apparent in late Joseon particularly in court and documentary paintings
• Literati painting evolved throughout Joseon period becoming more expressive and individualistic in later years
• Role of professional artists shifted from early Joseon court painter dominance to late Joseon increase in social status of non-court professional painters