Who painted Women Enjoying the Evening Cool Near Ryogoku Bridge?

Women Enjoying the Evening Cool Near Ryogoku Bridge was painted by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1794.

Where can I see Women Enjoying the Evening Cool Near Ryogoku Bridge?

Women Enjoying the Evening Cool Near Ryogoku Bridge is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Women Enjoying the Evening Cool Near Ryogoku Bridge?

Women Enjoying the Evening Cool Near Ryogoku Bridge is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Women Enjoying the Evening Cool Near Ryogoku Bridge

Kitagawa Utamaro , 1794

Women Enjoying the Evening Cool Near Ryogoku Bridge 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

A boy holds a cricket cage and a woman’s hand, leading to a lantern boy who guides two women.

This painting shows a lively crowd on Ryōgoku Bridge at night. Fireworks light up the sky while people watch from boats and the riverbank. A boy holds a cricket cage and a woman’s hand, leading to a lantern boy who guides two women.

Utamaro loved small details like the boy’s cricket and the lantern’s “Ōnoshi.” This tells us about Edo life. The soft light makes the scene feel warm and real.

Look up the artist Kitagawa Utamaro (Japanese, c. 1754–1806).

Overview

This nighttime scene depicts a lively gathering on Ryōgoku Bridge over the Sumida River, where people enjoy summer fireworks from both the bridge and party boats below.

Subject & Meaning

The composition highlights everyday life in Edo, capturing moments of leisure and interaction among the crowd, including a boy with a caged cricket and a lantern bearer advertising a restaurant.

Technique & Style

The print features soft lighting, which imbues the scene with warmth and realism, characteristic of Utamaro's attention to detail and ability to convey intimacy in public settings.

History & Provenance

Created by Kitagawa Utamaro (c. 1754–1806), a prominent Japanese ukiyo-e artist, the exact date of this work is not specified in the provided sources.

Context

The scene reflects the vibrant culture of Edo (modern-day Tokyo) during the late 18th century, where public events like fireworks displays were integral to community life.

Legacy

As a work by Utamaro, it contributes to the broader legacy of ukiyo-e in capturing and influencing perceptions of Edo-period life, though its specific impact is not detailed in the provided information.