Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Baroque artist Hishikawa Moronobu 菱川師宣. It dates from 1742 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled monochrome woodblock print, created in 1742 by Japanese artist Hishikawa Moronobu, depicts a serene natural scene. Executed in ink on paper, it is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print showcases two birds in a marshy setting, contrasting a tall, long-necked bird with striped plumage alongside a smaller, curved-beaked bird with a fluffy appearance. The composition conveys a sense of calm, highlighting the tranquility of the wetland environment.
Technique & Style
Moronobu employed simple yet expressive black lines to define forms, forgoing intricate details for a more subdued, outline-driven aesthetic. The absence of shading techniques (notably, no cross-hatching) contributes to the print's flat, two-dimensional quality.
History & Provenance
Created in 1742, this work is attributed to Hishikawa Moronobu. It is currently housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though specific details about its acquisition history are not provided here.
Context
This print reflects the ukiyo-e tradition, characteristic of 18th-century Japanese woodblock printing, often focusing on natural themes and everyday life. However, the simplicity of this piece might also suggest an educational or preliminary work.
Legacy
While specific influence or notable exhibitions of this particular print are not highlighted, it contributes to the broader understanding of Hishikawa Moronobu's oeuvre and the evolution of ukiyo-e woodblock printing techniques in the Edo period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hishikawa Moronobu made bold black-and-white prints of daily life in late-1600s Japan.
