국립중앙박물관 소장 金弘道 〈雲臺晝眠圖〉의 재검토

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a new in-depth interpretation of UndaeJumyeondo(雲臺晝眠圖; Painting of Taking a Nap at Yuntai; currently in the collection of the National Museum of Korea), a painting produced by the late Joseon painter Kim Hong-do(1745‒1806), and thereby to further understanding of this famous work. The painting depicts Chen Tuan(872‒989), a Daoist hermit of the Song dynasty who is famous for his long period of sleep at Yuntai on Mount Hua. Chen was widely regarded by Joseon’s intellectual elite as a symbol of fidelity who, while living in one of the most turbulent times in Chinese history, set a great example of how noble people should behave in times of political chaos.BR This painting is marked by elaborate brush strokes and a delightfully simple composition. The title written on the painting, UndaeJumyeon(雲臺晝眠; Taking a Nap at Yuntai), clearly shows that the human figure depicted on it is Chen Tuan. In addition, each of the images-namely UndaeSuin(雲臺睡人; The Sleeper at Yuntai), UndaePokpo(雲臺瀑布; Waterfalls at Yuntai), and UndaeSongsu(雲臺松樹; Pine Trees at Yuntai), which are the main motifs of the composition-has its own meaning. The depiction of the sage taking a nap at Yuntai represents a vision of peace, the aspiration to attain Utopia and, ultimately, the striving of the artistic spirit for a peaceful world under the governance of wise rulers. The depiction of the waterfalls and the pine trees is also focused on the life of Chen Tuan, who disciplined his mind and body through sleep, achieving the state of ultimate tranquility.BR The title and details of the painting show that Kim Hong-do had a profound knowledge of the life of Chen Tuan which he tried to suffuse into his art. Kim Hongdo was able to produce works containing “old meanings” because he based his works upon his ample knowledge of tradition.