Landscape 

Owon created this landscape painting, sometime in the late 19th century, in Korea. While its naturalistic details and serene atmosphere might at first seem apolitical, we must consider the social and cultural context in which it was made. Korea at this time was in a period of great social and political upheaval, with the traditional Joseon dynasty facing challenges from both within and without. Looking closely, we see the image creates meaning through visual codes associated with the literati tradition, a social class that served in the government and often produced art as a means of self-expression. The figure in the house suggests the artist's own position: an intellectual seeking refuge from a troubled world. The painting can then be understood as a commentary on the social structures of its time, and the artist’s position within them. Understanding art like this requires the work of historians, who can use various research resources to contextualize artworks within their social and institutional context.