Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shunshō in 1777.

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 Shunshō , 1777

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1777 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1777, this nishiki-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunshō is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed with ink and pigments on paper, the image captures a solitary figure in a striking, theatrical stance, rendered in vivid, flat colors typical of late‑eighteenth‑century Japanese prints.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a man with disheveled hair, clutching a fan to his face while leaning forward as if caught in a moment of heightened emotion. His expression, intense and bordering on anger, is amplified by the dramatic pose, suggesting a scene from kabuki or a theatrical performance rather than a quotidian setting.

Technique & Style

Shunshō employs the nishiki-e method, layering multiple carved blocks to achieve bright, saturated hues. The composition relies on bold contrasts: black‑and‑white striped sleeves, a red sash, and a gold‑striped skirt, set against a minimal background of a fence, pink‑flowered branches, and a bamboo stack. The flat color fields and crisp outlines exemplify the ukiyo‑e aesthetic of the period.

History & Provenance

The print has been documented in Japanese catalogues since the late 19th century and entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through a mid‑20th‑century acquisition. Its attribution to Shunshō, a leading figure in the Katsukawa school, is supported by stylistic analysis and signatures typical of his workshop.

Context

Produced during the flourishing of ukiyo‑e in Edo, the work reflects the era’s fascination with theatrical subjects and the popularization of multicolored woodblock techniques. Shunshō’s prints often depicted actors and dramatic scenes, catering to a growing urban audience eager for visual narratives of contemporary performance culture.