Draft portrait of Yi Ikpil

These sketches, originally mounted in album format, capture the likeness and personalities of two government officials. These officials were among a group of fifteen honored by King Yeongjo (1694–1776) after their success in suppressing a political uprising in 1728. The king bestowed on them honorary titles and benefits, and also commissioned their portraits, which were produced in several versions and formats. These were kept at the royal court and handed down to the officials’ descendants. In Korean tradition, such portraits were believed to convey the spirits of the sitters while recording their appearances. According to the Confucian ideology of the Joseon dynasty, portraits were vehicles for worshiping ancestors and for honoring the deeds of scholars.

Sketches of subjects typically began with spare application of brushstrokes and colors. Draft portraits such as these are considered highly valuable records that exhibit freer artistic characteristics than those seen in final portraits. Few such drafts remain.