Artwork

Fond of Noise from the series Eight Views of Favorite Things of Today’s World

Fond of Noise from the series Eight Views of Favorite Things of Today’s World is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Fond of Noise is a cityscape print from Kitagawa Utamaro's series Eight Views of Favorite Things of Today’s World, dating to circa 1794. It is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene, intimate scene: a kimono-clad woman, hand to ear as if listening, is accompanied by a whispering man behind her. The quiet moment contrasts with the implied 'noise' of the title, suggesting a preference for subtle, personal connections over urban din.

Technique & Style

Utamaro's composition features patterned textiles (the woman's kimono, the man's clothing) against a muted, light background, emphasizing the figures' interaction. The work reflects ukiyo-e aesthetics, with meticulous attention to detail in clothing and setting.

History & Provenance

Created around 1794, Fond of Noise is one of eight views in Utamaro's series exploring contemporary preferences. The print is now held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

While often associated with broader Japanese ukiyo-e traditions, the series' themes and Utamaro's style show awareness of Western Romanticism's emphasis on emotional intimacy and personal experience, though executed in distinctly Japanese mediums and motifs.

Legacy

As part of Utamaro's esteemed series, Fond of Noise contributes to the artist's reputation for capturing nuanced, everyday moments of Edo-period life, influencing later artists in their depiction of quiet, relational scenes.