Songhahanyudo (Painting of the Rest under a Pine Tree)

This portrait of Gim Yuk (1580-1658, a.k.a. Munjeonggong, or Jamgok) was painted by a Ming artist named Hu Bing in 1637 while the scholar-statesman was on a visit to the Chinese dynasty as a Joseon envoy. The diplomat is depicted wearing a silk head cloth and a "heron robe," standing under a pine tree in a relaxed manner. His head faces the viewer directly, but his body is turned slightly to the right, suggesting that he was wandering around the tree when the picture was painted. The top right of the painting contains a postscript written by King Yeongjo (r. 1724-1776) praising the life and achievements of Gim Yuk.

King Yeongjo's Eulogy on the Image of Munjeonggong, or Jamgok

"Who is that man in the painting wearing a silk head cloth and a heron robe, standing in the pine-scented breeze? He is none other than Jamgok, or Lord Gim.

A loyal subject, he served his country with all his heart long ago, pursued the righteousness of the old sages, and fulfilled all his duties.

It is marvelous that he designed the Uniform Land Tax Law. Ah! Let him be honored and admired by one hundred generations to come."

Second Month, Sinmi Year [1751]