Artwork

玉屋内 志津賀|A Courtesan

玉屋内 志津賀|A Courtesan, by Kitagawa Utamaro, ink
玉屋内 志津賀|A Courtesan, by Kitagawa Utamaro, ink

玉屋内 志津賀|A Courtesan is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, created by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1807, is a portrait of a courtesan. Held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, it showcases the artist's skill in capturing the elegance of his subject.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman seated on a low stool, adorned in a long robe with striking blue and white patterns, her hair styled high under a black headpiece. She holds a fan, surrounded by a simple background featuring scattered flowers, a wheel, and a narrow scroll with text.

Technique & Style

Utamaro's use of simple lines and flat colors draws attention to the subject's face and attire. The inclusion of subtle details, such as the fan and flowers, adds a sense of vitality to the scene, demonstrating the artist's ability to balance simplicity with nuance.

Artist & collection