<modern korean painting> Exhibition Hall : 1. Early Modern Art: The Great Han Empire

Occupying a time of change and turbulence, the Great Han Empire sought the dual projects of self-determination and modernization amidst the pressure exerted by China under the Qing dynasty, Japan, and Western imperialism. The paintings of this period capture a vivid depiction of the sociopolitical zeitgeist. Featured in this section of the exhibition, Myeongseonghwanghu Barinbanchado illustrates the event of the royal funeral after the death of Empress Myeongseong. This occasion was capitalized upon as an opportunity to proclaim to the world the status of the Great Han Empire as an imperial power and an independent nation-state. Featuring the opulent scene of a royal carriage procession in the early Great Han Empire, Daehanjeguk Donggado differs from traditional Joseon style of court paintings in its direct portrayal of the king and partial usage of Western painting techniques, as well as the use of hand-painting instead of color engravings to finish the piece, which conveys a distinct perspective on the royal procession. In addition, Gungukgimusohoeido records the scene of a meeting within the Bureau of National Defense, the supra-governmental organization that led the Gabo Reform.
The time of the Great Han Empire was also a period under which substantial changes were brought about on the method of visualization and expression towards the world. Expressing intricate shades through the new method of photographic imagery, the works of royal portrait painters showcase the introduction of photography and Western painting styles as new techniques of depiction and vehicles of symbolism that served as the catalyst for the modernization of art in Korea, while the designs of postage stamps and school textbooks display an aspect of print-material art that led the development of society and everyday life, as well as the establishment of modern visual culture. Such changes began with the royal court of the Great Han Empire, which sought to actively introduce new cultural products and foster a new era for the Korean people through culture and art.