7.4 Portrait painting

Korean portraiture emerged during the Three Kingdoms period, influenced by Chinese traditions. It served multiple purposes, including ancestor veneration and historical documentation. Confucian philosophy shaped its development, emphasizing moral character and inner spirit over physical likeness.

Royal portraits played a crucial role in state rituals and ancestor worship. Artists worked in specialized bureaus, using traditional pigments and techniques. The Joseon Dynasty saw portraiture's peak, with formal and informal styles capturing both authority and personality.

Origins of Korean portraiture

• Korean portraiture emerged as a significant art form during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 935 CE) influenced by Chinese artistic traditions
• Portraiture in Korea served multiple purposes including ancestor veneration, commemoration of important figures, and documentation of historical events

Influence of Confucian ideals

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• Confucian philosophy shaped the development of Korean portraiture emphasizing moral character and virtue in depictions
• Portraits often portrayed subjects with dignified postures and serene expressions reflecting Confucian ideals of self-cultivation
• Symbolic elements incorporated into portraits represented Confucian values (scholarly items, natural landscapes)
• Emphasis on capturing the inner spirit (seongin) of the subject rather than just physical likeness

Early royal portraits

• Royal portraits (eojin) served as official state documents and played a crucial role in ancestor worship rituals
• Depicted kings and queens in full ceremonial regalia with meticulous attention to detail in clothing and accessories
• Followed strict conventions in posture and composition with the subject typically seated facing forward
• Early examples include portraits of King Taejo, the founder of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392)

Techniques and materials

• Korean portrait painters developed unique techniques blending indigenous artistic traditions with influences from China and later Western art
• Artists often worked in specialized portrait painting bureaus (eojinso) established by the royal court

Traditional pigments and brushes

• Natural pigments derived from minerals, plants, and insects created vibrant and long-lasting colors
• Includes:
  • Blue from ground lapis lazuli or azurite
  • Red from cinnabar or safflower
  • Yellow from gamboges or orpiment
• Brushes made from various animal hairs (sable, goat, wolf) with different properties for fine details or broader strokes
• Ink (meok) played a crucial role in outlining and shading, made from pine soot or oil smoke mixed with glue

Canvas vs silk painting

• Both silk and paper served as common painting surfaces each with distinct characteristics
• Silk paintings (gyeongpil):
  • Allowed for finer detail and smoother color gradations
  • Required special preparation techniques to prevent ink bleeding
• Paper paintings (jeopil):
  • More absorbent surface creating softer effects
  • Often mounted on wooden panels or scrolls for display and preservation
• Choice of material often depended on the intended purpose and status of the subject

Joseon dynasty portraits

• Portraiture reached its peak during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) with the establishment of official portrait painting institutions
• Portraits served as important historical records and tools for Confucian ancestor worship practices

Formal vs informal styles

• Formal portraits (jeongja):
  • Depicted subjects in official robes and headgear
  • Strict frontal or three-quarter view poses
  • Emphasized dignity and authority
• Informal portraits (yeongja):
  • Showed subjects in everyday attire or scholar's robes
  • More relaxed poses and settings
  • Captured individual personality and interests
• Both styles often included inscriptions providing biographical information or poetic tributes

Symbolism in court portraits

• Specific elements in court portraits conveyed rank, achievements, and personal qualities
• Symbols included:
  • Dragon motifs on robes indicating royal status
  • Rank badges (hyungbae) displaying animal or bird designs
  • Scholar's objects (books, brushes, inkstones) representing learning and wisdom
• Background elements like screens or landscapes often contained auspicious symbols (pine trees, cranes, mountains)

Buddhist portrait paintings

• Buddhist portraiture developed alongside secular portraiture but with distinct religious purposes and aesthetic conventions
• These portraits served as objects of veneration and meditation in temples and private shrines

Monk portraits

• Depicted influential Buddhist monks and teachers often in a realistic style
• Portrayed subjects seated in meditation postures or holding religious implements
• Inscriptions frequently included biographical information and dharma lineage
• Notable examples include portraits of the monk Seosan Daesa from the 16th century

Bodhisattva depictions

• Idealized portraits of bodhisattvas combined human and divine qualities
• Characterized by:
  • Serene facial expressions and elongated earlobes
  • Elaborate jewelry and flowing robes
• Popular subjects included Avalokiteshvara (Gwaneum) and Manjushri (Munsu)
• Incorporated symbolic attributes (lotus flowers, swords, wish-fulfilling jewels) associated with specific bodhisattvas

Genre and social status

• Korean portraiture reflected and reinforced social hierarchies while also documenting diverse aspects of society
• Portraits served as visual representations of an individual's place within the Confucian social order

Yangban class portraits

• Depicted members of the scholarly elite and government officials
• Emphasized scholarly pursuits and moral character through:
  • Inclusion of books, writing implements, and other scholarly objects
  • Dignified poses and expressions conveying wisdom and refinement
• Often commissioned to commemorate important life events or achievements
• Clothing and accessories carefully rendered to indicate specific ranks and offices

Commoner representations

• Portraits of non-elite subjects became more common in later Joseon period
• Included depictions of:
  • Merchants and artisans engaged in their trades
  • Entertainers and courtesans in performance attire
• Genre scenes by artists like Kim Hong-do captured everyday life and occupations
• These portraits provided valuable historical documentation of diverse social classes and professions

Stylistic evolution

• Korean portraiture underwent significant changes over time influenced by shifting artistic tastes, cultural exchanges, and technological developments
• The tension between tradition and innovation characterized much of this evolution

Realism vs idealization

• Early portraits tended towards idealization emphasizing symbolic representation of status and virtue
• Gradual shift towards greater realism in depicting individual features and expressions
• True-view (jingyeong) movement in late Joseon period advocated for more naturalistic depictions
• Artists like Yun Du-seo pioneered techniques for capturing subtle facial expressions and skin textures

Western influences

• Introduction of Western artistic techniques in the late 19th century impacted Korean portraiture
• New elements incorporated:
  • Use of linear perspective and shading to create depth
  • Oil painting techniques allowing for more vibrant colors and textures
• Some artists experimented with hybrid styles blending traditional Korean and Western approaches
• Photography began to influence painted portraits leading to more precise renderings of facial features

Notable Korean portrait artists

• Several Korean artists made significant contributions to the development and innovation of portraiture throughout history
• Their works exemplify the highest achievements in technique, style, and cultural significance

Kim Hong-do's contributions

• Active in the late 18th century, also known by his pen name Danwon
• Renowned for both formal court portraits and genre scenes of everyday life
• Innovations included:
  • Incorporation of dynamic poses and expressive gestures in informal portraits
  • Detailed depictions of clothing and accessories providing insight into material culture
• Famous works include portraits of King Jeongjo and genre paintings of various professions

Yun Du-seo's innovative approach

• 18th-century artist known for his realistic and psychologically insightful portraits
• Pioneered techniques for capturing individual likeness and personality
• Notable achievements:
  • Developed methods for rendering subtle variations in skin tone and texture
  • Experimented with unconventional compositions and intimate close-up views
• Self-portraits showcased his mastery of realistic depiction and introspective qualities

Iconography and attributes

• Korean portraits incorporated a rich visual language of symbols and attributes to convey information about the subject's identity, status, and character
• Understanding these elements is crucial for interpreting the full meaning of portrait paintings

Clothing and rank symbols

• Garments in portraits precisely indicated social status and official rank
• Key elements included:
  • Color and pattern of robes (blue for civil officials, red for military)
  • Headgear styles (gat for yangban scholars, gwanmo for government officials)
  • Rank badges (hyungbae) displayed specific animal designs corresponding to bureaucratic positions
• Accessories like fans, belts, and shoes provided additional information about the subject's role and status

Facial features and expressions

• Artists paid close attention to rendering distinctive facial characteristics
• Considered important for capturing both physical likeness and inner character
• Specific features carried symbolic meanings:
  • High forehead associated with wisdom and nobility
  • Elongated earlobes signifying prosperity and good fortune
• Facial expressions ranged from stern and dignified in formal portraits to more relaxed and contemplative in informal works

Conservation and restoration

• Preservation of Korean portrait paintings presents unique challenges due to their age, materials, and cultural significance
• Both traditional and modern conservation approaches play important roles in safeguarding this artistic heritage

Traditional preservation methods

• Historical techniques for protecting paintings included:
  • Mounting on silk or paper backings to provide support
  • Storage in specially designed wooden boxes with desiccants
  • Regular airing and inspection to prevent mold and insect damage
• Use of natural materials like oyster shell powder for cleaning and repairs
• Copies of important portraits often created as backups in case of damage to originals

Modern conservation techniques

• Scientific analysis informs contemporary restoration practices
• Advanced methods include:
  • Non-invasive imaging techniques (infrared reflectography, X-ray fluorescence) to study underlying layers and pigment composition
  • Controlled environmental conditions in museum storage and display areas
  • Reversible restoration techniques using stable and compatible materials
• Digital documentation and high-resolution photography aid in preservation and study of fragile works

Contemporary Korean portraiture

• Modern Korean artists continue to engage with the portrait genre, reinterpreting traditional forms and exploring new modes of representation
• Contemporary portraiture reflects the complex cultural identity of Korea in a globalized world

Fusion of traditional and modern

• Artists combine elements of traditional Korean portraiture with contemporary styles and concepts
• Examples include:
  • Reinterpretations of historical figures using modern painting techniques
  • Portraits incorporating traditional symbols and motifs in unexpected contexts
• Exploration of themes like identity, gender, and social change through portraiture
• Use of mixed media and unconventional materials to create innovative portrait forms

Digital portrait innovations

• Technology opens new possibilities for creating and experiencing portraits
• Developments in digital portraiture:
  • AI-generated portraits exploring concepts of identity and representation
  • Virtual and augmented reality installations allowing immersive portrait experiences
  • Digital manipulation of traditional portrait paintings to create new works
• Social media and selfie culture influence contemporary approaches to self-portraiture and identity construction