Artwork
An Unfortunate Tale, II
An Unfortunate Tale, II is a paint painting by the Impressionist artist Kawanabe Kyōsai 河鍋暁斎. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
An Unfortunate Tale, II is a painting by Kawanabe Kyôsai, one of three works in the V&A collection depicting a narrative of personal sorrow from a popular Edo-period story.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a poignant moment in the tale of a woman's hardships, showing her weeping on a mound while being observed by a perplexed couple, highlighting themes of isolation and public scrutiny.
Technique & Style
Executed in a freer, individualistic style characteristic of Kyôsai's non-print-design paintings, this work showcases his ability to convey emotional depth through composition and figure expression, distinct from the more constrained formats of ukiyo-e print designs.
History & Provenance
Part of a series of three (with D.1385-1897 and D.1387-1897), this painting was created for a wealthy clientele, distinguishing it from works intended as print designs, reflecting Kyôsai's versatility in catering to different markets.
Context
Produced during the Edo period, the piece exemplifies the dual practice of many ukiyo-e artists who also created unique, high-end paintings for private collectors, alongside their more widely disseminated print designs.
Legacy
As part of Kyôsai's oeuvre, An Unfortunate Tale, II contributes to the artist's reputation for nuanced storytelling and emotional portrayal, while the series as a whole remains a testament to the broader artistic practices of Edo-period ukiyo-e practitioners.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kawanabe Kyōsai (河鍋 暁斎; May 18, 1831 – April 26, 1889) was a Japanese painter and caricaturist. In the words of art historian Timothy Clark, "an individualist and an independent, perhaps the last virtuoso in traditional Japanese painting".
