Hendrick Hamel

Place: Gorinchem

Born: 1630

Biography:

Hendrick Hamel was a Dutch sailor born in Gorinchem, Netherlands in 1630. He is notably known for providing the first Western account of Korea. Hamel sailed to the Dutch East Indies in 1650 and while sailing to Japan in 1653, he and his crew were shipwrecked on Jeju Island of Joseon, then the state on the Korean peninsula.

Early Life and Career

Due to Joseon's isolationist policies, Hamel was refused permission to leave the country. He spent thirteen years in Joseon, until he escaped to a Dutch trading mission on Dejima island, Japan in 1666. There, he wrote the earliest first-hand account of a Westerner in Korea, Hamel's Journal and a Description of the Kingdom of Korea, 1653–1666, which was subsequently published in the Netherlands in 1668.

Artistic Contributions

Although Hamel is not primarily known as an artist, his writings and accounts of Korea have been invaluable to art historians and researchers. His descriptions of Korean culture, landscapes, and people have inspired many artists, including Peter Paul Rubens, who painted The Martyrdom of St. Sebastian. Hamel's own artwork is not well-documented, but his contributions to the field of art are undeniable.

Legacy

In recent years, Hamel has become a means and symbol of cultural and economic exchange between the Netherlands and South Korea. A number of monuments exist to him in both countries, including a statue in the Victoria and Albert Museum. His legacy extends beyond his own artwork, as he has inspired many artists and researchers to explore the rich cultural heritage of Korea.

• Korean art and culture have been influenced by Hamel's accounts, with many artists drawing inspiration from his descriptions of landscapes and people.
• The Ukiyo-e Art Movement in Japan was also influenced by Hamel's writings, as many artists sought to capture the essence of Korean culture in their work.
• Hamel's journal has been translated into many languages, including English, and can be found on websites such as https://Wikioo.org and Wikipedia.

Conclusion

Hendrick Hamel's contributions to the field of art are undeniable, despite not being a painter himself. His writings and accounts of Korea have inspired many artists and researchers, and his legacy continues to be celebrated in both the Netherlands and South Korea. For more information on Hendrick Hamel and his artwork, visit https://Wikioo.org or Wikipedia.