Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) / early 1800s
Portrait of an Official
The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Portrait of an Official as painting (Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910) · early 1800s).
A piece of leopard skin covering the chair is a typical gift from the royal court to court officials.
A CLOSER LOOK
The museum identifies this painting as Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk.
The museum's collection notes: The quest of capturing one’s spirit through imagery held a special place in the tradition of portrait making in East Asia. A portrait’s resemblance to the subject was considered to be a way to transmit the sitter’s spirit to the viewer. A three-quarter view, much preferred in Joseon-period portraits like this one, allows the viewer to examine the sitter’s personality or spirit without an exchange of glances. Dressed in a pale pink court uniform, the gentleman sits on a chair draped with leopard skin, a symbol of royal favor. Due to the missing inscription, which was likely trimmed off, we cannot identify him. Yet, we know a few things: His un
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The Cleveland Museum of ArtPortrait of an OfficialOriginal explanation based on the sources above. Images carry their own reuse terms.