만들어진 명작: 신사임당과 초충도(草蟲圖)

Abstract

This article explores how Sinsaimdang and her paintings exhibited social functions according to particular political and cultural interests of the powerful social forces in different times. Shinsaimdang's Insects and Plants was invented as her masterpiece by the members of the Noron (Old Doctrine) party in the early 18th century. Even to the current day, Sinsaimdang and her artwork contain immeasurable significance and influence. Thus, it has become the canon of Korean art history. The completion of Gosangugok (the Nine-Bend Stream of Gosan) which depicts Yi I's (1536-1584) Seokdam dwelling, and the invention of Sinsaimdang's Insects and Plants by the Noron party were simultaneous events in 1709. A sense of crisis was spreading within them as King Sukjong (r. 1674-1720) appointed Yoon Jeung (1629-1714), the leader of the opposite Soron (Young Doctrine) faction, as Vice State-Councilor in 1709. Thus, it means that the Noron formed the discourse on Sinsaimdang's Insects and Plants through the political strife between Noron and Soron. They wanted to strengthen the solidarity of their party members using visual images related to Yi I because they thought that the true way had been passed from the founder of Neo-Confucianism Zhu Xi to the Noron party through Yi I. After this, Sinsaimdang's Insects and Plants continued to make new political meanings and caused cultural influence in Korean society. It became a social myth in 1960s and 1970s. This implies that Sinsaimdang's Insects and Plants was used as the medium of the cultural dominance of the government. The making of Insects and Plants as symbolic capital in which the state was deeply involved was inseparable from the political values and interests of the dominant classes that served to invent Sinsaimdang as a cultural heroine. They could persuade people to think what they want them to think, and naturalize their political messages. Interpretations and evaluations of major canonical works in Korean art history have constantly been influenced by the art historians and curators of major museums and art markets. They also sometimes support the Sinsaimdang myth for political purposes and reasons. In all respects, the image of Sinsaimdang and the historical significance of Insects and Plants have been invented.