Who painted The Actor Onoe Matsusuke?

The Actor Onoe Matsusuke was painted by Katsukawa Shunshō in 1759.

Where can I see The Actor Onoe Matsusuke?

The Actor Onoe Matsusuke is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Actor Onoe Matsusuke?

The Actor Onoe Matsusuke is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Actor Onoe Matsusuke

Katsukawa Shunshō , 1759

The Actor Onoe Matsusuke is a print by the Baroque artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1759 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, titled The Actor Onoe Matsusuke, portrays a single figure in elaborate Edo‑period costume. The composition centers on the actor’s face, rendered with a lively expression, while the surrounding garments and accessories are rendered in fine detail, offering a clear view of contemporary theatrical attire.

Subject & Meaning

The image captures a celebrated kabuki performer, emphasizing the dramatic pose and emotive facial features that were central to stage presence. By focusing on the actor’s expressive countenance, the work reflects the period’s fascination with the charisma of theatrical stars and their role in popular culture.

Technique & Style

Executed in the ukiyo‑e tradition, the print employs strong contrasts of light and dark, a technique akin to chiaroscuro, to model the figure’s features and fabric folds. The artist’s precise line work and careful attention to patterning convey texture and depth within the flat medium.

History & Provenance

Created by the Edo‑based artist Shunsho, a leading figure in actor portraiture, the print exemplifies his dominance in the genre. Shunsho also mentored a subsequent generation of printmakers, including Shunko, Shunzan and Shunei, who continued to develop the style.

Context

Produced during the Edo period, a time of flourishing urban culture, the print serves as a visual document of kabuki’s aesthetic and social significance. It illustrates the era’s demand for affordable, mass‑produced images of popular entertainers, which circulated widely among city dwellers.