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DiaporamaThe travels of Marco Polo Series
Acrylic On Canvas- WallArt
- East Asian Landscape
1980
34.0 x 34.0 cm
Lee Ungno Museum
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Collectible Description
A Panoramic Vision of Exploration and Harmony: Yi Ungno’s “The Travels of Marco Polo Series”
Yi Ungno's "The Travels of Marco Polo Series," painted in 1980, stands as a remarkable testament to Korean art history and its engagement with Western artistic influences. Produced during a period when Goam commissioned artworks for a book exploring the legendary voyages of Marco Polo—a project ultimately abandoned—the series comprises seventy-nine canvases that capture Ungno’s singular interpretation of Eastern aesthetics filtered through the lens of European observation. This particular landscape, imbued with a profound sense of serenity and wonder, transcends mere depiction; it embodies a deliberate dialogue between East and West, reflecting Ungno's ambition to synthesize disparate artistic traditions into a cohesive visual experience.- Style & Technique: Ungno’s approach aligns closely with the conventions of traditional East Asian landscape painting—specifically, *shan shui* (山水), or “mountain water”—characterized by asymmetrical compositions and a masterful use of perspective. The artist employs a bird's-eye view, mirroring the stylistic preferences prevalent in Chinese ink wash paintings, emphasizing distance and grandeur.
- Composition & Symbolism: Dominating the canvas is a breathtaking sunset scene featuring triangular forms reminiscent of mountains or islands that recede into the horizon. This deliberate structuring technique contributes to an immersive feeling of depth and creates a harmonious balance between visual elements. The small architectural red figures scattered amongst these forms subtly reference East Asian architecture as perceived by a European traveler, symbolizing cultural exchange and intellectual curiosity.
- Historical Context: Created during Korea’s colonial era under Japanese rule (1910-1945), Ungno's work reflects the anxieties and aspirations of Korean artists grappling with modernization while preserving their artistic heritage. The series’ thematic focus—the exploration of uncharted territories—mirrors the spirit of discovery prevalent in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, aligning it with broader intellectual currents shaping global art discourse.
- Emotional Impact: Beyond its formal elements, “The Travels of Marco Polo Series” evokes a powerful emotional response. The luminous colors of the sunset convey warmth and tranquility, inviting contemplation on beauty and wonder. Simultaneously, the artist’s meticulous attention to detail—particularly in capturing the subtle nuances of light and shadow—creates an atmosphere of palpable realism that draws viewers into the depicted landscape.
Further Exploration & Artistic Significance
The donation of these paintings to the Lee Ungno Museum in Daejeon ensured their preservation and accessibility to the public, revealing a previously unknown facet of Korean artistic creativity. Ungno’s unwavering dedication to blending Eastern and Western influences solidified his position as a pioneer of modern Korean painting—a figure whose oeuvre continues to inspire artists and collectors alike. Examining “The Travels of Marco Polo Series” offers invaluable insight into Korea's engagement with global art movements during a pivotal period in its history, demonstrating the enduring power of artistic expression to transcend cultural boundaries.Related Artworks
Artist Biography
**early life and training**
lee ungno, also known as yi eungro, was a korean-born french painter and printmaker born in séoul, south korea in 1904. his early life was marked by a brief stint at the hongseong botong hakyo (홍성보통학교, 홍城초등학교, 洪城普通學校), after which he dedicated himself to studying painting under yeomjae song tae-hoe from 1920.**artistic career in korea and japan**
lee ungno's artistic career began in earnest when he moved to seoul in 1922, becoming an apprentice to celebrated calligrapher-painter-photographer haegang kim gyu-jin. he primarily learned to paint the four gentlemen in the 'haegang style.' notably, his inkwash painting of a bamboo, mukjuk (묵죽, 墨竹, ink bamboo), won a prize in the 3rd annual joseon art exhibition. lee ungno consecutively won prizes in the joseon art exhibition throughout the colonial period. however, he believed that eastern ink painters should modernize their style. in the early 1930s, lee began producing inkwash landscapes influenced by new, modern eastern ink painting styles and naturalistic renditions found in western-style paintings.**international recognition and later life**
after training in traditional inkwash painting in korea from the 1920s to the 1930s, lee gradually experimented with western-style painting techniques in japan. his works from the 1950s showcase creative attempts at merging eastern medium and brushstrokes with western perspective and forms. lee ungno relocated to france in 1958, where he fully established his standing as an abstract artist. he is most known for his series of ink and paper collage, abstract letters, and crowd paintings that developed during his stay in france.- view yi eungro's artworks on ArtsDot: [https://ArtsDot.com/@/yi-eungro](https://ArtsDot.com/@/yi-eungro)
- explore the musée national jean-jacques henner, a museum featuring a vast collection of art pieces, including those inspired by eastern styles: [https://ArtsDot.com/@@/a@d3cew9-il-museo-musee-national-jean-jacques-henner-di-parigi-francia](https://ArtsDot.com/@@/a@d3cew9-il-museo-musee-national-jean-jacques-henner-di-parigi-francia)
- discover more about the ilkhanid art movement, which also blends eastern and western influences: /en/art/show/art-d3cq2m-en/
yi eungro
1904 - 1989 , South Korea
Quick Facts
- Artistic Movement Or Style: Eastern & Western Expressionism
- Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Haegang Style']
- Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Yeomjae Song Tae-hoe']
- Date Of Birth: January 12, 1904
- Date Of Death: January 10, 1989
- Full Name: Yi Eungro (Lee Ungno)
- Nationality: Korean-French
- Notable Artworks: ['Composition']
- Place Of Birth: Seoul, South Korea
