Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shunchō in 1790.

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 Shunchō , 1790

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunchō. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Katsukawa Shunchō's 'Untitled' is a late 18th-century woodblock print, executed in ink and color on paper, currently in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene gathering of four individuals under a striped tent. Two women, prominently dressed in contrasting red-and-gold and black-and-gold robes, are accompanied by a child in red and a man in green and brown attire, who is engaged with a fan. The scene conveys a sense of tranquil, everyday interaction.

Technique & Style

Shunchō employed bold, vibrant colors and simplified forms to animate the composition. Intricate patterns on the robes and the dynamic stripes of the tent contribute to the overall liveliness of the piece, showcasing the artist's skill in balancing detail with simplicity.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1790, the work's history prior to its acquisition by The Metropolitan Museum of Art is not detailed here. It represents a product of the ukiyo-e tradition during its peak in Edo (now Tokyo).

Context

'Untitled' reflects the ukiyo-e school's focus on capturing scenes of everyday life and leisure activities among the emerging middle class in Edo. The use of woodblock printing allowed for widespread dissemination of such images.

Legacy

As part of Shunchō's oeuvre, 'Untitled' contributes to the broader legacy of Katsukawa Shunchō in ukiyo-e, though its specific impact or influence on later artists is not highlighted in available information.

Artist & collection

Artist

Katsukawa Shunchō

Katsukawa Shunchō lived in Edo (now Tokyo) during the late 1700s, a time when floating-world prints—colorful scenes of theater, courtesans, and everyday life—were all the rage.