Scenes from the cycle of life
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.Painted screens that illustrate major milestones in the lives of high-ranking government officials were popular during the late Joseon period. From right to left, each panel of this screen shows one celebratory event: 1) first birthday; 2) taking the state exam for government office; 3) wedding; 4) three-day celebration of passing the state exam; 5) appointment as royal archivist; 6) traveling as provincial governor; 7) traveling as second-rank minister; 8) traveling as first-rank minister; 9) sixtieth wedding anniversary; 10) sixtieth anniversary of entering government service.
Each scene is portrayed in lively detail with figures engaged in particular activities or celebrations, placed within or against architectural and natural settings. The bird’s-eye view affords observers an expansive perspective on the lifetime of the protagonist.
Each scene is portrayed in lively detail with figures engaged in particular activities or celebrations, placed within or against architectural and natural settings. The bird’s-eye view affords observers an expansive perspective on the lifetime of the protagonist.
Artwork Details
- 평생도 조선
- 平生圖 朝鮮
- Title: Scenes from the cycle of life
- Period: Joseon dynasty (1392–1910)
- Date: 19th century
- Culture: Korea
- Medium: Ten-panel screen; ink an color on paper
- Dimensions: Image (each panel): 51 3/16 × 14 3/16 in. (130 × 36 cm)
- Classification: Screens
- Credit Line: Lent by National Museum of Korea
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art