Geumgang jeondo

Geumgang Jeondo: A Masterpiece by Jeong Seon

Geumgang Jeondo, an illustrious landscape painting by Jeong Seon, was crafted during the reign of King Yeongjo. Its name translates to "General View of Mt. Geumgangsan" or "The Diamond Mountains." This remarkable artwork was designated the 217th National Treasure of South Korea on August 6, 1984. It is currently housed at the Ho-Am Art Museum in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, and owned by Lee Kun-hee.

Jeong Seon distinguished himself among his contemporaries by focusing on the beauty of Korean landscapes rather than adhering to prevailing Chinese art trends. His particular fondness for the Geumgangsan mountains is evidenced by his creation of approximately 100 images of them. Geumgang Jeondo is widely regarded as his magnum opus.

This exquisite painting, executed with India ink, depicts the Inner Mt. Geumgangsan and its twelve thousand peaks, including the notable Birobong peak and the Manpokdong valley. Jeong Seon's distinctive style masterfully amalgamates the stark rocky peaks with the gentler earthen ones, illustrating his profound affection for and connection to the mountains. The artwork measures 130.7 cm in height and 94.1 cm in width.

In the upper right corner of the painting, Jeong Seon inscribed the title, his remarks, and his pen name, Gyeomjae. He dated the piece to 1734, when he was 59 years old. His inscription conveys his belief that viewing the painting evokes a transcendent joy comparable to experiencing the mountains in person.