Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英 in 1791.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英 , 1791

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英. It dates from 1791 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1791 by the Edo‑period artist Katsukawa Shun'ei, this woodblock print measures a single sheet of paper with ink and color applied in layers. The work is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is catalogued as an example of late 18th‑century Japanese printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a male figure striking a theatrical pose, his attire composed of a black‑and‑white striped kimono accented with red trim. He wears a tall black hat, holds a fan in one hand, and rests the other hand on his hip, suggesting a moment of heightened drama typical of kabuki performance.

Technique & Style

Executed with traditional woodblock methods, the print combines bold, exaggerated line work for the face with vivid color blocks that emphasize contrast. The composition uses a minimal background—a lone branch with pink blossoms and a woven basket—to focus attention on the figure's movement and expression.

Context

Katsukawa Shun'ei was known for his actor portraits, contributing to the popular ukiyo‑e genre that documented contemporary theater. Prints like this served both as promotional material for stage productions and as collectible images for fans of the performing arts.

History & Provenance

The print entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection through acquisition in the early 20th century, joining a broader assemblage of Japanese prints that illustrate the development of ukiyo‑e during the Edo period.