Artwork

Courtesans at Leisure from the series The Six Immortal Poets

Courtesans at Leisure from the series The Six Immortal Poets, by Katsukawa Shunzan, 1784
Courtesans at Leisure from the series The Six Immortal Poets, by Katsukawa Shunzan, 1784

Courtesans at Leisure from the series The Six Immortal Poets is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunzan. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Courtesans at Leisure is a print from the series The Six Immortal Poets, attributed to Katsukawa Shunzan and dated to circa 1784. The work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts three courtesans in a serene interior, with one standing and two seated, engaged in leisurely activities amidst a beautifully appointed room and garden. The scene emphasizes the elegance and refinement of the courtesans.

Technique & Style

Characterized by bold outlines and flat, unshaded colors, the print reflects a stylistic emphasis on pattern and composition over realistic depth or shading, drawing attention to the women's poses and attire.

History & Provenance

Created around 1784 by Katsukawa Shunzan, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

As part of The Six Immortal Poets series, Courtesans at Leisure situates itself within 18th-century Japanese ukiyo-e printmaking, often focused on themes of beauty, leisure, and the lives of courtesans.

Legacy

While specific influence or notable exhibitions of Courtesans at Leisure are not highlighted, the work contributes to the broader appreciation of ukiyo-e prints in Western museum collections, particularly in showcasing late 18th-century Japanese artistic sensibilities.

Artist & collection

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