His
courtesy name is Wanbo and
art name is Hwajae. His birth and death dates are unknown, but was active in the mid 18th century during
King Sukjong's (r. 1674–1720) and
King Yeongjo's reign (r. 1724–1776). Pyŏn was praised for his excellent depictions of animals and people. He served as a royal painter of
Dohwaseo, the office of painting and then as a
hyeongam, a magistrate of a small province. According to the book titled
Jinhui sokgo (震彙續攷), Pyŏn Sangbyŏk was especially excellent at depicting cats and chicken, so he gained nicknames like Pyŏn Goyang (trans. Pyŏn Cat) and Pyŏn Dak (Pyŏn Rooster). In addition, the book says that Pyŏn was famous for drawing portraits too, so he was also referred as
Guksu (國手, a first class artisan) of the time, and his portrait works are over 100 pieces. Though, one of his extant portraits, the portrait of
Yun Geup, an officer, does not show his excellent skills. He participated in drawing the portraits of King Yeongjo in 1763 and 1773. ==Works==