Artwork
Onoe Matsusuke I as a Samurai Standing Beneath a Cherry Tree
Onoe Matsusuke I as a Samurai Standing Beneath a Cherry Tree is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Onoe Matsusuke I as a Samurai Standing Beneath a Cherry Tree is a print created by Katsukawa Shun'ei around 1784. It is a representative work of the artist, known for his contributions to the ukiyo-e genre.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts the kabuki actor Onoe Matsusuke I in a samurai role, characterized by his attire and props. The cherry blossoms behind him are a symbolic element common in Japanese art, adding depth to the scene.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Shun'ei's skill in yakusha-e, a style of portraiture focused on kabuki actors. The detailed depiction of the actor's pose, attire, and surroundings reflects the artist's attention to detail and ability to capture theatrical scenes.
Context
Produced in the late 18th century, this print is part of a broader tradition of ukiyo-e that popularized images of actors and warriors. Shun'ei's work was influential in this context, contributing to the development of actor imagery in Japanese printmaking.
Artist & collection
