Shin Saimdang - woman, artist: biography reconstruction experience
The article is devoted to life and works of Shin Saimdang (1504-1551), one of the leading Korean painters of XVI century. It contains a brief biography and life stories of Shin Saimdang. She was a deeply educated and talented person, her creative interests spread widely. Shin Saimdang was good at painting, calligraphy, literature and embroidery. She gave birth to seven children, including Yi I (Yulgok), prominent Korean philosopher and politician. Author analyses complex issues that arise during research of the painter’s heritage. An attempt is made to determine the place of the painter in cultural life of Korea. Another aspect is formation and change of Shin Saimdang’s image as an ideal Confucian woman over time. A question why interest in life and oeuvre of Shin Saimdang is still keen in Korea nowadays is discussed.