Artwork

Serenade

Serenade, by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1780
Serenade, by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1780

Serenade is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Serenade is a print by Kitagawa Utamaro, created in 1780, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene scene in a garden with three figures: a flute-playing man, a watching woman leaning on a fence, and a child sitting on the ground with a basket. The tranquil atmosphere and simple composition suggest a moment of quiet intimacy.

Technique & Style

Utamaro's work is characterized by simple shapes and soft lines, evident in the subtle patterns on the woman's robe and the wooden slats of the fence. The artist's focus on gentle forms and delicate detail creates a soothing visual experience.

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.