Who painted Group of Figures near a Brook?

Group of Figures near a Brook was painted by Katsushika Hokusai in 1804.

Where can I see Group of Figures near a Brook?

Group of Figures near a Brook is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Group of Figures near a Brook?

Group of Figures near a Brook is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Group of Figures near a Brook

Katsushika Hokusai , 1804

Group of Figures near a Brook is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Created in 1804, this woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusi presents a tranquil riverside scene.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1804, this woodblock print by Katsushika Hokusi presents a tranquil riverside scene. A small group of figures gathers beside a gently flowing brook, surrounded by foliage and a modest wooden bridge. The composition balances human activity with natural elements, rendered in a muted palette of browns, greens, and blues that convey a calm, everyday moment.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman cradling an infant, another figure bearing a basket, and a child engaged in play with a dog. The arrangement suggests a familial or communal outing, emphasizing simple domestic life and the harmonious relationship between people and their environment. The serene atmosphere invites contemplation of ordinary pleasures in a rural setting.

Technique & Style

Executed in the ukiyo‑e woodblock tradition, Hokusai employs fine carving to render delicate foliage, with numerous tiny leaves and slender branches that give the trees a lively texture. The figures are outlined with clean lines, while the soft washes of color create depth without overwhelming detail, exemplifying the artist’s skill in balancing precision and atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The work entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader effort to represent Japanese printmaking of the Edo period, offering viewers insight into Hokusai’s prolific output beyond his more widely known landscapes.

Context

Produced during the later phase of Hokusai’s career, the print aligns with a period when he explored genre scenes of daily life, complementing his celebrated series of mountains and seas. Such images catered to a growing urban audience interested in depictions of rural leisure, illustrating the cultural exchange between city dwellers and the countryside in early‑19th‑century Japan.