지공화상 진영상의 도상특징

Abstract

There has been no portrait of a Buddhist priest in Korea that dates back to before the 18th Century. If there is one, it can't but be extremely precious. I shared with some specialists a few years ago that the portrait of Reverend Jigong can be a product from the mid to late 17th Century. The colors are in ancient style and are different from those of the 18th century Buddhist portraits, and the figure is described in more natural way unlike those of the 18th century. It shares common features with the priest images included in the Buddhist paintings from mid to late 17th century, thus, enabling an estimation that it is a work from the mid to late 17th century. The iconography of Reverend Jigong in the portrait is quite unique in that he has curly hair and wears silk Buddhist robe. Lastly, if the portrait of Reverend Jigong can be attributed to the mid to late 17th century or the first period of the latter half of Joseon period. that is, during the reign of Kings Injo and Sukjong, it will be the oldest extant portrait of a priest.