Portrait of Yu Sosim
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.The sitter, Yu Sosim, wrote the inscription on the top right identifying himself and the date of the portrait. Little is known beyond his name. But, like the adjacent portrait by the same artist, Yu’s robe (though blue, not white) and hat indicate his status as a scholar in informal dress. Additionally, he holds a well-known neo-Confucian text in his left hand. In both paintings the men’s hands are visible, a significant departure from portraits of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910); traditionally one’s hands were hidden from view as a sign of decorum.
A renowned portraitist in his time, Chae first gained fame following a royal commission from the king. After 1905, he settled in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, and devoted his time to painting portraits of people from that region, especially neo-Confucian scholars.
A renowned portraitist in his time, Chae first gained fame following a royal commission from the king. After 1905, he settled in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, and devoted his time to painting portraits of people from that region, especially neo-Confucian scholars.
Artwork Details
- 석지 채용신, 유소심 초상
- 石芝 蔡龍臣 劉小心肖像
- Title: Portrait of Yu Sosim
- Artist: Chae Yongsin (artist name: Seokji) (Korean, 1850–1941)
- Date: dated by inscription to 1915
- Culture: Korea
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk
- Dimensions: Image: 41 7/8 × 28 1/4 in. (106.3 × 71.7 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Lent by National Museum of Korea
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art