조석진 趙錫晉
Painter, pupil of Jang Seung-eop who painted a portrait of King Gojong; pen name Sorim
| Life | 1853 ~ 1920 |
| Era | 조선 말~일제강점기 |
| Clan | 함안 조씨 |
Life & career
Jo Seok-jin (趙錫晉, 1853-1920) was a painter active in late Joseon and the colonial period, of the Haman Jo clan, with courtesy name Ungsam and pen name Sorim. His birth name is recorded as Tae-won, and he was born in Ongjin, Hwanghae. He learned the basics of painting from his grandfather Jo Jeong-gyu and then became a pupil of Jang Seung-eop (Owon).
He is said to have been skilled across landscape, figures, flowers and birds, vessels, cut branches, and fish and crabs. For painting a portrait of King Gojong he became magistrate of Yeongchun at junior third rank. Surviving works include Haerim Yugeo-do, Maejo-do, Gunri-do, Unsan Seoksik-do and a landscape, plus the fish-and-crab and carp paintings of 1918.
In later years he devoted himself to teaching, and is recorded as a founding sponsor of the Seohwa Misulwon and the Seohwa Hyeophoe. Wikimedia Commons holds a public-domain image of a copy of a portrait of King Yeongjo credited to Chae Yong-sin and Jo Seok-jin, and the photograph on this page comes from it.
In the Line of Jang Seung-eop
Jang Seung-eop was a leading painter of late Joseon, and his style passed to his pupils. Jo Seok-jin is introduced as a painter of this line. His broad skill across landscape, figures, and flowers and birds is regarded as his hallmark.
Royal Portraits and Painting Societies
A record says that painting a portrait of King Gojong led to his appointment as magistrate of Yeongchun. As a founding sponsor of the Seohwa Misulwon, a modern painting school, and the Seohwa Hyeophoe, he is credited with helping lay the foundation of the modern art world. His name is mentioned with that of Chae Yong-sin in a copy of King Yeongjo's portrait.
Within the Haman Jo Clan
Jo Seok-jin is the clan's best-known artist. Jo So-ang's father shared the name Jo Jeong-gyu, which invites confusion; whether they are the same person could not be confirmed here. For the clan as a whole see Haman Jo.