Ch'ae Yongsin’s Portrait of Zhu Xi (朱子): A Collaboration Between Confucian Scholars and an Artist to Honor Neo-Confucianism

Following the loss of Korea’s national sovereignty in 1910, many Confucian scholars sought to return to the essence of Confucianism, emphasizing self-cultivation and the acquisition of knowledge as a foundation for national restoration. In this context, Pak Manhwan (朴晩煥), who established Yŏngju Chŏngsa (瀛洲精舍) in Chŏngŭp, also constructed Yŏngyangsa (瀛陽祠) and commissioned Ch'ae Yongsin to paint portraits of twelve Confucian sages, including Zhu Xi (朱子). Ch'ae Yongsin not only created the requested portraits in Chŏngŭp but also traveled to other regions upon invitation to produce portraits of Zhu Xi. For instance, Confucian scholars in Chinju, Kyŏngsangnamdo, expressed their gratitude by composing farewell poems for Ch'ae after his visit. Among the portraits of Zhu Xi painted by Ch'ae, three are extant today. Through stylistic analysis, this study confirms Ch'ae’s authorship of the portraits housed at Yŏngyangsa in Chŏngŭp documented in records but lacking inscriptions and at Tot'ongsa (道統祠) in Chinju.The Confucian scholars of Chŏnbuk, including figures like Ki Uman (奇宇萬), Ch'oe Ikhyŏn (崔益鉉), Chŏn U (田愚), and Hwang Hyŏn (黃玹), shared a common commitment to national salvation. While their approaches varied—ranging from participating in anti-Japanese resistance to teaching Confucian principles or choosing martyrdom—their dedication to the nation was unified. Ch'ae Yongsin painted portraits of individuals across these groups. These works were commissioned by their descendants and disciples, but records in the Yuan (儒案) of Chinju’s Tot'ongsa and Sŏkkang silgi (石岡實記) suggest that Ch'ae indirectly or directly supported their endeavors. The life of Zhu Xi, who secluded himself at Wuyi Mountain to focus on writing and teaching, provided inspiration and guidance to Chŏnbuk’s Confucian scholars as they envisioned their future paths. Ch'ae Yongsin’s involvement significantly invigorated these efforts, serving as a pivotal figure in the cultural and intellectual activities of the time.