Arcadópolis
Wrestling (Ssireum)
What you see
Spectators form a ring around an empty space where two wrestlers grapple: one lifts the other, who has a leg in the air. At the top, two groups lean forward, some in black wide-brimmed hats. At lower right, two men rock back with their mouths open, and at bottom center a boy with a long braid watches with his back to us.
Color is kept to a minimum: greys, beige and the black of the hats on pale paper. Every face has its own expression. Spot the pairs of shoes lined up on the right, the hats set down on the ground and the man holding a fan in front of his face.
About Kim Hong-do (Danwon)
Kim Hong-do, known by his art name Danwon, grew up in Ansan and from the age of seven studied with the master Kang Se-hwang, who later recommended him to the royal painting bureau of the Joseon dynasty. He was a court painter under Kings Yeongjo and Jeongjo, but he is remembered above all for his scenes of the daily life of farmers, craftsmen and ordinary people. He is perhaps the best-known painter in Korean art history; in 1788 King Jeongjo sent him to paint the Geumgang (Diamond) Mountains.
More by Kim Hong-do (Danwon)
The Arcadópolis Museum has 443 public-domain works in 40 rooms, free to explore in 3D in your browser.