Artwork
Mount Paektu and Heaven Lake
Mount Paektu and Heaven Lake is a paint painting by Sang Mun Ri. It dates from 2008 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This oil painting shows Mount Paektu's lake, Heaven Lake, near the China border.
This oil painting shows Mount Paektu's lake, Heaven Lake, near the China border. Ri Sang Mun painted it in early 2008 from an observation point. The dark water and steep slopes sit under a vivid blue sky.
Mount Paektu is a Korean sacred peak. The artist chose a realistic style to capture the mountain’s quiet strength. Viewers often feel the stillness of this high place.
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Overview
Mount Paektu and Heaven Lake is an oil painting by North Korean artist Ri Sang Mun, created in early 2008. The work captures a serene scene of Heaven Lake, situated at the peak of Mount Paektu on the North Korean-Chinese border.
Subject & Meaning
The painting's subject, Mount Paektu, holds deep sacred significance for Koreans, particularly in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The composition conveys the mountain's 'quiet strength' through its depiction.
Technique & Style
Ri Sang Mun employed a realistic style to render the natural elements: dark, still lake water, rugged stony shores, bare mountain slopes, and a contrasting bright blue sky.
History & Provenance
Created from an observation point in early 2008. Current location or full provenance details are not specified here, though a reference to the Victoria and Albert Museum is noted, possibly indicating an exhibition or collection connection.
Context
The artwork reflects the cultural and geographical importance of Mount Paektu, a symbol of Korean heritage. The realistic approach may also underscore the artist's intent to present the site's natural and sacred beauty without embellishment.
Legacy
Viewers often respond to the painting's evocation of stillness, suggesting its impact lies in capturing the serene and sacred atmosphere of the location. Broader legacy or influence details are not provided.
Artist & collection
Artist
This North Korean artist painted Mount Paektu, the country’s tallest peak and sacred symbol.
