Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shunshō in 1785.

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 , 1785

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1785 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1785 by the Edo‑period artist Katsukawa Shunshō, this nishiki‑e woodblock print depicts a quiet interior scene. Rendered in ink and color on paper, the work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and is identified only by the generic title Untitled.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents two figures within a modestly furnished room: a standing individual on the right, grasping a long fan and dressed in a wide‑sleeved robe topped with a tall hat, and a kneeling figure on the left, clad in a patterned kimono and gazing intently at an object held in their hands. The sparse setting invites contemplation of everyday domestic interaction.

Technique & Style

Shunshō employs the characteristic bold line work of ukiyo‑e prints, outlining the figures with decisive strokes that define their forms. Flat areas of color fill the shapes, while the largely empty background accentuates the subjects. Subtle textural effects are achieved through fine cross‑hatching, adding depth without compromising the overall flat aesthetic.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in the late eighteenth century, a prolific period for the Katsukawa school’s portraiture and genre scenes. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains catalogued under its descriptive title, Untitled, and serves as an example of Shunshō’s work in the nishiki‑e medium.