Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shunkō in 1772.

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 Shunkō , 1772

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunkō. It dates from 1772 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1772, this woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed with ink and color on paper, the work depicts a dramatic confrontation between two samurai-like figures, rendered in bold lines against a warm beige background.

Subject & Meaning

The scene shows two men in traditional Japanese robes locked in combat, each brandishing a sword—one in the right hand, the other in the left. Their dynamic poses suggest a moment of decisive action, with the figure on the left appearing to dominate the encounter, evoking themes of martial skill and rivalry.

Technique & Style

Shunkō employs the ukiyo-e woodblock method, combining precise ink outlines with vivid color application. The print’s surface is enriched by cross‑hatching, which adds texture and depth to the figures’ clothing and weapons, while the restrained beige ground highlights the stark contrast of the foreground elements.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the Katsukawa school of the late eighteenth century, the print reflects the period’s fascination with samurai drama. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century, where it remains a representative example of Shunkō’s contribution to Japanese printmaking.