Artwork

Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Soga no Goro

Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Soga no Goro, by Katsukawa Shunshō, 1774
Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Soga no Goro, by Katsukawa Shunshō, 1774

Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Soga no Goro is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print, created around 1774, is a work by Katsukawa Shunshō, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art. It is titled Ichikawa Monnosuke II as Soga no Goro.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a kneeling figure, Ichikawa Monnosuke II, in the role of Soga no Goro, holding a sword and fan. His tense expression and dramatic pose convey a sense of intensity, while butterflies near his legs add a touch of movement to the scene.

Technique & Style

The artwork combines bold lines with soft colors, achieving a balance between liveliness and control. Simple shapes are used to convey emotion and movement, characteristic of Japanese theater prints from this period.

Artist & collection

Artist

Katsukawa Shunshō

Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.