Aux origins de la conservation des peintures coréennes: le constat d’état du Portrait du roi Taejo et sa conservation (1763–64) (The origins of the conservation of Korean paintings: the condition report of the Portrait of King Taejo and its preservation (1763–1764))
Resource type
Journal article
Creator (person)
Kim-Marandet, Meejung
Date published
2018
Abstract
A quite exceptional document drawn up by the court in 1763-1764 is held in the Jangseogak Archives, Gyeonggido, near Seoul (South Korea); it is a manuscript related to the condition assessment and restoration of a royal portrait of King Taejo, known the first ruler during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Painted in 1410 and kept within the Gyeonggijeon shrine (Jeolla Province), this royal portrait was, by the 18th century, a rare example of the kind to have survived from the War of Imjin and other conflicts resulting in destructions. However, in 1763, conservation problems had started to be seen: insects had damaged the painting. After receiving the records from the shrine guard, the administrator and the mayor, the vice-minister of the cult informed the king that the Portrait of King Taejo needed to be restored. While the extent of the intervention was discussed, the restoration materials were carefully chosen and prepared: paste, paper variety, drying board and other materials and equipment were listed in the document. Despite their efforts to restore the portrait, its condition became worse by 1872, which prompted the court to produce a copy from it: it is the celebrated portrait preserved in the Eojin Museum in Jeonju (South Korea).
Project(s)
Amorepacific Project for the Conservation of Korean Pictorial Art
Funder
| Funder name | Awards |
Amorepacific Corporation | |
Korea Foundation | |
Journal title
Support/Trace
Volume
18