By Honorary Reporter Fotini Chatzoudi from Greece
Photos = Wikipedia, Wikiart

The Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) had three artists known as the "three Wons."

Shin Yun-bok (1758-1813), whose pen name was Hyewon, was born the son of a royal court painter who did portraits of Joseon kings Yeongjo and Jeongjo. Shin's works mostly featured daily life.

His style is distinguished by sophisticated and gentle brushstrokes and vivid colors. On each of his paintings, he wrote a short verse and put his stamp. In 1970, the album "Hyewon Pungsokhwacheop" (Album of Genre Paintings) featuring 30 of his works was designated National Treasure No. 135.

Kim Hong-do, also known as Danwon, was born in 1745 and became an official royal court painter in 1766. He used light watercolors in his paintings and like many artists, he added his signature and stamp to his works.

Danwon-gu District of Ansan, Gyeonggi-do Province, got its name from him and the annual Danwon Art Festival is held there. The album "Danwon Pungsokdocheop " of 25 genre paintings is designated Treasure No. 527.

Jang Seung-eop (1843-97) went by the pen name Owon. He was an orphan and spent his childhood at a foster family's house, where he learned to paint. He later became a painter of the royal court and focused on flowers, landscapes and daily life. 

What I like most about the three Wons is their emphasis on central characters. 

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.