Yi In-mun

Yi In-mun (李寅文, 1745 – 1821) was a prominent Korean landscape painter of the late Joseon period. He is known by several pen names including Gosongyuin (고송유인, 孤松幽人), Danjae (단재, 檀齋), and Chwija (취자, 醉士).

Yi In-mun served in the Dohwaseo, the royal painting academy, and achieved the rank of cheomjeoljesa. He was a master of both the Northern and Southern Schools of landscape painting. His works often depict idealized natural scenes with meticulous detail and a sense of tranquil grandeur. He frequently incorporated figures into his landscapes, adding a human element to the vastness of nature.

While heavily influenced by earlier Chinese masters, Yi In-mun developed a distinct style characterized by a light, airy brushwork and a harmonious balance between ink washes and precise linework. He often employed the "axe-cut" texture stroke (부벽준, bupyeokjun) and the "hemp-fiber" texture stroke (피마준, pima-jun), techniques used to depict the texture of rocks and mountains.

Yi In-mun's notable works include landscapes featured on folding screens and hanging scrolls. His paintings are highly regarded for their artistic merit and historical significance, offering valuable insights into the artistic and cultural landscape of late Joseon Korea. He is considered one of the most important landscape painters of his era, influencing subsequent generations of Korean artists.