If you want to know about the most famous Korean painters, go here : https://blogs.transparent.com/korean/korean-paintings Let’s continue our discussion of other great Korean artists of the Joseon Period.

Kim Deuk Shin (김득신) followed in the tradition of his father by becoming a royal court painter. Kim Deuk Shin is known for his depictions of the daily tasks performed by commoners. One such painting is 대장간 지본담채 (紙本淡彩), which is a painting of several blacksmiths working in a smithy. His paintings are valuable because modern scholars study them to learn about the past.

Shin Saimdang (신사임당) was unusual in that she was a female artist in a rigidly masculine society. Shin Saimdang was the only child, so she was educated like that of a male child. Her husband was also understanding and allowed her to spend her time writing poetry and calligraphy. She is known for her insect paintings like the one in초충도 (草蟲圖).

Byeon Sang Byeok (변상벽) is well known for his cat paintings. One of his more famous works is called  국정추묘 (菊庭秋猫), which means, “an autumn cat in the garden with chrysanthemums”. His depiction of cats were realistic and detailed, with texture, composition and color. Byeon Sang Byeok’s cat drawings also demonstrate the element of movement. He often drew cats in positions where they are about to run or jump.

Yun Duseo (윤두서), also known by his pen name 공재, is famous for his self portrait (shown on left). His portrait is praised because it is lifelike and shows a high degree of painting mastery for the Joseon Period. Yun Duseo was born from an educated elite family. He passed the national exam, but gave up a government position to devote his whole life to painting.

Nam Gyeu (남계우) is renown for his butterfly paintings. His nickname was nam nabi (남나비) or “butterfly Nam”. His paintings of butterflies and moths are celebrated for their purity, bright colors and attention to detail. Nam Gyeu was born in a high ranking family. He fulfilled his family’s wishes to be a civil servant, but never abandoned his desire to paint.