Brushstrokes of the Common People

김홍도, 1745 - unknown

From brush to nation: 김홍도 (Kim Hong-do), the artist who painted the soul of Joseon.

김홍도

김홍도 (Kim Hong-do), born in 1745, was a renowned Korean painter during the Joseon Dynasty. His life and works are extensively documented in various historical texts, including the 『조선왕조실록』 (The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty).

씨름도

Historical records highlight Kim's exceptional artistic skills and his role as a court painter. Under the patronage of King Jeongjo, Kim became famous for his genre paintings that depicted the everyday lives of common people.

His works, particularly the 풍속도 (genre paintings), provide a vivid glimpse into the society and culture of 18th-century Korea. Kim's ability to capture the essence of ordinary people's lives with humor and empathy set him apart from his contemporaries.

Now, I welcome you to the story of 김홍도 - how a talented artist became the eyes of a king, bringing the lives of common people into the royal court through his brushstrokes.

Let the story begin...