Collection

Painting & Calligraphy

The King’s Excursion on a Royal Carriage
The King’s Excursion on a Royal Carriage
Artifact Name
(English)  The King’s Excursion on a Royal Carriage
(Korean)  대한제국 동가도
(Chinese Character) 大韓帝國動駕圖
Culture/PeriodJoseon late 19th~early 20th century
MaterialsInk and Color on Paper
AuthorChae Yong-shin
Dimensions19.5x1,746cm
Assigned No.
Description
The King’s Excursion on a Royal Carriage is a documentary painting that illustrates the procession for Gojong’s royal excursion. At the head of the painting, the title Daehanjeguk Donggado Seokjisa indicates this piece to be the work of Chae Yong-shin (1850~1941), arguably the most renowned portrait painter of the period. However, discrepancies in the pen-strokes and inaccuracies in the depicted procession order, use of written characters, and the order of the painting covers have led to various interpretations as to the date of production and author of the painting. Directly portraying the king unlike in previous depictions of royal events, and using an aspect of Western painting by directly applying the brush instead of using colored engravings, The King’s Excursion on a Royal Carriage is a fascinating work that depicts the procession of Gojong’s royal excursion with a sense of gravitas and opulence.