The Soul of the Brush: The Life and Legacy of Jo Hee-ryong In the twilight of the Joseon Dynasty, a period defined by profound intellectual shifts and a burgeoning urban culture, Jo Hee-ryong (1789–1866) emerged as a luminous figure whose artistry bridged the gap between scholarly tradition and individual expression. Born in Seoul, Jo belonged to the chungin, or middle class—a social stratum positioned between the aristocratic scholar-officials and the common people. This unique social standing allowed him to cultivate a sophisticated mastery of the literati arts while maintaining a connecti…