Historic Portrait of Prince Yi, Ŭn of Korea (1897-1970)

This photograph features Yi, Ŭn, the Prince of Korea, who lived from 1897 to 1970. He was a member of the Korean royal family during a turbulent period in Korean history, which included the waning years of the Joseon Dynasty and the increasing influence of foreign powers, particularly Japan. Notably, Yi, Ŭn was the son of King Gojong and played an integral role in the complexities of royal lineage as Korea navigated its identity amid colonial pressures. Although this specific image lacks a documented date, it relates closely to the significant historical context of Korea around 1907.

The year 1907 marked a pivotal moment in Korean history, as it was shortly after Korea was effectively annexed by Japan, following the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1910. This period saw the end of the Korean Empire and the start of a long era of Japanese rule, which deeply affected Korean culture, society, and politics. The reference to Korean kings in the accompanying notes suggests this image is important for understanding the impact of royal figures during this transformative time.

While the photograph itself doesn’t indicate a specific location or a photographer, it remains an important piece of documentation related to Korean royalty. Yi, Ŭns life spanned a time of immense change in Korea, making this image a valuable historical artifact that captures the essence of this royal lineage during a critical era.