Danwon Kim Hongdo, A Great Artist of Everyday Life

미래엔 영어 II_5과 본문.hwp

“Genre” is a French word meaning “kind” or “variety.” In the late 18th century, French writers used the phrase “genre painting” to describe paintings of scenes from everyday life in contrast to historical scenes. Similarly, in Korean art, genre painting refers to pictures of people’s daily activities. Korean genre paintings, particularly from the 18th century, are esteemed for their candid, realistic representations of Joseon society (1392~1910) and are considered the most “Korean” of all Korean art forms.

Danwon Kim Hongdo was one of the artists who helped bring about the maturation of genre painting. As a court painter, he was favored by King Yeongjo and King Jeongjo because of his extraordinary talent. He painted Jeongjo’s portraits several times and often painted important events held in the court. Although he was also skilled at painting landscapes, portraits, flowers, and animals, the works for which he is best known today are the genre paintings in Danwon Pungsokdo Cheop (Album of Genre Paintings by Danwon).

The works in this album are noteworthy for their focus on people and their activities, with all background details completely removed. This approach helps to highlight the central theme. On a blank background, the artist skillfully arranged people doing various activities. It created a sense of space and depth that makes viewers feel as if they were part of the scene. What makes his paintings even more impressive is the humor and liveliness of the scenes, as well as their narrative power.

Danwon paid close attention to each individual, so that their expression-filled faces invite the viewer into the scene.

Dancer and Musicians clearly shows Danwon’s talent for depicting humorous and lively situations in simple but compelling images. The dancer and the musicians are arranged in a circle on a blank background. Both the dancer, with one leg lifted and arms swaying, and the musicians are painted in a manner that shows the liveliness of the music. Danwon’s careful attention to detail can be seen on the faces of the musicians with puffed-out cheeks enthusiastically playing wind instruments, as well as in the bent head of the drummer as he concentrates on his performance. The energy of this image is enhanced by the short, quick brushstrokes seen in the folds and outlines of the clothing.

Threshing Rice portrays people working at different stages of the threshing process.

Some are raising bundles above their heads and smashing them down on a log. Others are sweeping up the rice that has fallen to the ground or carrying bundles on their back to bring more rice. In the upper right corner, a yangban is lying on a mat with his shoes off and a pipe in his mouth. Bundles of rice have been placed under the mat to create a comfortable cushion for his bent arm. The relaxed yangban contrasts with the hard work of rice threshers, providing a glimpse into the upper and lower classes in Joseon society.

Wrestling is considered the most representative of Danwon’s genre paintings. Here, Danwon’s handling of a larger group of individuals proves his skill in composition. The focus of the painting is on the central figures: two wrestlers who are being watched and cheered on by 19 seated spectators. Some in the audience are leaning back on their hands, and others are hunched forward. Some are smiling, and others seem nervous. Only the vendor is indifferent to the wrestlers. Standing with his back to them, he is more concerned with selling yeot to the spectators than with the sport.

This image captures the moment when one wrestler is about to lift up his opponent. His determination can be seen in his turned down lips and bulging cheeks while the opponent struggles to maintain his balance. Thanks to these realistic details, viewers of the painting can easily imagine the next scene: a forward thrust leading to victory.

The advance of genre painting in the 18th century reflects the social changes that took place in the second half of the Joseon Dynasty. A new school of thought emerged; known as Silhak, it highlighted practicality and had a strong influence on political and economic systems. Cultural activities were not limited to the yangban  but flourished in the middle and lower classes as well. Along with jingyeong landscape painting, which depicts scenery in Korea, genre painting, which portrays people in Korea, enjoyed unprecedented popularity. Genre painting is an important step in the development of Korea’s cultural identity and one of the most important achievements in Korean art history.