Yeongjo (1694–1776) was the 21st monarch of the Korean
Joseon dynasty, reigning from 1724 to 1776. His reign was marked by persistent efforts to reform the taxation system and minimize and reconcile the factional fighting under his
Tangpyeong policy ("Magnificent Harmony"). It was also marked by the highly controversial execution of his only son,
Crown Prince Sado, in 1762. In spite of this, Yeongjo has earned a positive reputation in Korean history due to his efforts to rule by
Confucian ethics. This is a copy of a 1744 portrait of Yeongjo, executed in 1900 by Chae Yong-shin and Cho Seok-jin. The copy is in the collection of the
National Palace Museum of Korea.
Painting credit: Chae Yong-Shin and Cho Seok-Jin; after Jang Gyeong-ju and Kim Du-ryang