Kim Haksu (金學洙, 1919-2009) was one of the most celebrated twentieth-century Korean artists. He painted in a style which was influenced both by Korean traditions and Western concepts of painting. Kim Haksu is most noted for his depictions of events and scenes in late nineteenth and early twentieth century, showing both customs and significant buildings and places. As a Christian, he is best remembered for his depictions of events around the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He was born in P’yŏngyang, but fled south at the outbreak of the Korean War. He lived in the Republic of Korea until his death. He received a number of awards in recognition of his achievements.
Kim sets the Nativity in a traditional inn, but shows the whole scene from up above so that you see not only the interior of the inn, but the street scenes outside of the inn. The parts of the inn facing the street are roofed with thatch, whereas the principal parts of the inn have tiled roofs. The Holy Family is in the part of the inn where the horses or other animals would be. Mary is shown with a head-covering appropriate for a woman of status outside of her home. Joseph is behind her wearing a broad brimmed hat appropriate for a person of status. Jesus is covered by a ‘quilt’ and is in a feeding trough. In front, two men are shown kneeling before him. They kneel on a bamboo mat, and have taken off their shoes. They bow deeply, a k’ŭn chŏl. In front of them, gifts are being offered. These are the magi (wise men) who are depicted as if they were Confucian scholars. A third figure (third magi ?) is shown entering through the main gate of the inn. The Nativity is depicted as a very public event with many male and female onlookers of different status (as shown by their clothing).
