This is a full-length portrait depicting him seated on the floor dressed in an ordinary garment. It's a unique and individual work with a round stable composition. There is a folding fan hanging from his waist belt while his two hands are exposed. His stern-looking face seems alive with dark shades around the eyes and nose. The elaborate lines that define the garment show the excellent skill of one of the greatest painters of the time. King Yeongjo is known to have been impressed by this portrait. He ordered Jo Yeong-seok to participate in the production of the portrait of King Sejo. There is a colophon on the right. This is Korea's treasure No. 1298. It is very important for Gyeonggi Provincial Museum to examine the culture of the noble class in Gyeonggi Province.

History of the Object

Jo Yeong-bok (1672-1728) was a civil minister during the reign of King Suk-jong. He was from Ham-an. His minor name was Seok-o and his pen name Yi-ji-dang. He was a student of Kim Chang-hyeop. He served as Secretary to King (Do-seung-ji), magistrate of Gaeseong, and Mayor of Hanseong, the capital. Two versions of this portrait exist. Jo Yeong-seok(1686～1761), who painted one of them, represents the literati painters active during the late Joseon period. He is from Haman, his ja was Jong-bo and his ho Gwan-a-jae. He is the younger brother of Jo Yeong-bok.