Who painted 勝川春英画二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II?

勝川春英画二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II was painted by Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英 in 1793.

Where can I see 勝川春英画二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II?

勝川春英画二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 勝川春英画二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II?

勝川春英画二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

勝川春英画二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II

Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英 , 1793

勝川春英画二代目市川門之助|Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英. It dates from 1793 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II is a nishiki-e woodblock print created by Katsukawa Shun'ei around 1793.

About this work

Overview

Kabuki Actor Ichikawa Monnosuke II is a nishiki-e woodblock print created by Katsukawa Shun'ei around 1793. The work is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Ichikawa Monnosuke II, a kabuki actor, in a dramatic pose. He wears a vibrant, patterned costume with dominant red, black, and gold hues, and his hair is styled with a distinctive red streak. The actor holds a sword in one hand and a fan in the other, conveying intensity through his serious expression.

Technique & Style

Utilizing the traditional Japanese nishiki-e woodblock printing technique, the artist emphasized the subject's powerful stance and expressive facial features. The incorporation of a green leafy branch above the actor's head adds a touch of natural contrast to the otherwise bold, ornate design.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1793, the print is attributed to Katsukawa Shun'ei. Its current location is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though the full provenance history prior to its acquisition is not detailed here.

Context

This work reflects the late 18th-century Japanese fascination with kabuki theatre, with woodblock prints serving as a popular medium for capturing and disseminating images of famous actors and performances.

Legacy

As part of Katsukawa Shun'ei's oeuvre, the print contributes to the artist's reputation for capturing the essence of kabuki actors. It remains a significant example of late Edo period nishiki-e printing, though its broader impact or influence on subsequent art movements is not specifically highlighted in available information.