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Pilgun Yoon

Albert Herter

American Art

The story of Aladdin and his magical lamp enjoyed considerable popularity with U.S. theater audiences during the early twentieth century, as did productions with ornate costumes, elaborate sets, and Asian acting troupes, often performing in pantomime.

In this image of the Korean actor Pilgun Yoon in the role of Aladdin, Albert Herter (son of Christian Herter of the American furniture firm Herter Brothers, whose cabinet is nearby) referred to the strict frontal poses of formal Chinese portraiture. His interest in a decorative aesthetic is evident in the robe’s elaborate pattern, based on Chinese Qing dynasty court dress.
MEDIUM Oil on canvas
DATES ca. 1923
DIMENSIONS 70 1/8 x 41 1/4 in. (178.1 x 104.7 cm)  (show scale)
SIGNATURE Signed lower left: "Albert Herter"
COLLECTIONS American Art
ACCESSION NUMBER 32.68
CREDIT LINE Gift of Mrs. Frederic B. Pratt
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Albert Herter (American, 1871–1950). Pilgun Yoon, ca. 1923. Oil on canvas, 70 1/8 x 41 1/4 in. (178.1 x 104.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mrs. Frederic B. Pratt, 32.68. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 32.68_PS22.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 32.68_PS22.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2024
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RIGHTS STATEMENT © Estate of Albert Herter
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