How an Unseen Portrait of King Danjong Was Imagined
Creatrip Team
20 days ago
The National Museum of Daegu opened “Painting Our Clothes: Kwon O-chang’s Donated Costume Portraits,” showcasing 137 works including 72 costume portraits by veteran painter Kwon O-chang and actual garments. Kwon, known for reviving historical figures and traditional dress, donated many works and has painted about 17 of the government’s official royal portraits. A highlight is the 2021 government-standard portrait of King Danjong (단종) — painted by inference (추사, creating a likeness when no direct portrait exists) using facial outlines from King Taejo and a sketch of King Sejo — marking the first Danjong piece designated as a standard royal portrait. The exhibition also features a 6-meter painting of the Korean Empire imperial family, children’s costume scenes including the tiger-decorated ho-goon (호건) hat meant to ward off evil, and multimedia on the creation of the 4-meter “Baekjinbokdo (백진복도)” showing over 100 children’s garments. Programs such as curator talks, lectures on Joseon court dress, and artist talks run through Sept. 27. The show emphasizes historical research, authenticity, and the aesthetic and cultural value of traditional Korean clothing.
