Who painted Orchids and Rocks?

Orchids and Rocks was painted by Yi Ha-eung in 1898.

Where can I see Orchids and Rocks?

Orchids and Rocks is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Orchids and Rocks?

Orchids and Rocks is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Orchids and Rocks

Yi Ha-eung , 1898

Orchids and Rocks is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Yi Ha-eung. It dates from 1898 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2015.138
Credit line: John L. Severance Fund

About this work

You see a tall folding screen with eight panels, each filled with ink drawings of orchids sprouting between jagged rocks.

This screen was made by a powerful politician who ruled Korea for seven years. He painted it in his late seventies, after stepping away from politics, almost like a quiet hobby.

To see how other Korean artists painted nature, look up Joseon dynasty (1392–1910).

Overview

Orchids and Rocks is an eight-panel folding screen painted in monochrome ink by Yi Ha-eung, a prominent figure in late 19th-century Korea. Created at the age of 80, this work showcases the artist's skill in depicting natural motifs.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features cymbidium orchids and jagged rocks, with the orchids symbolizing the perseverance of principled gentlemen, a common theme among scholar-artists. The choice of subject reflects Yi's adherence to literati art traditions.

Technique & Style

Yi employed monochrome ink to render the curvilinear silhouettes of orchid leaves against rocky backdrops, demonstrating his mastery of minimalist yet expressive brushwork characteristic of literati art revival.

History & Provenance

Painted in Yi's 80th year, the screen postdates his regency for King Gojong (1866-1873). An inscription on the first panel confirms the artist's age at creation, providing a direct link to Yi's personal timeline.

Context

This work is set within the Joseon dynasty's (1392-1910) artistic landscape, where literati art experienced a revival. Yi's piece can be contextualized alongside other Joseon-era nature paintings for comparative insight.

Legacy

As one of Yi's later works, Orchids and Rocks contributes to his legacy as a leading artist of the literati art revival in late 19th-century Korea, alongside his political prominence.