Who painted 三勝と半七|Sankatsu and Hanshichi?

三勝と半七|Sankatsu and Hanshichi was painted by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1800.

Where can I see 三勝と半七|Sankatsu and Hanshichi?

三勝と半七|Sankatsu and Hanshichi is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 三勝と半七|Sankatsu and Hanshichi?

三勝と半七|Sankatsu and Hanshichi is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

三勝と半七|Sankatsu and Hanshichi

Kitagawa Utamaro , 1800

三勝と半七|Sankatsu and Hanshichi is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around the turn of the nineteenth century, this woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro belongs to the genre‑scene tradition. Executed in ink and color on paper, the image presents an intimate domestic moment rendered in a compact, decorative format intended for everyday viewers.

Subject & Meaning

The composition shows a woman cradling an infant while a man leans forward to place a kiss on the child’s cheek. The baby’s small hands reach toward the man’s face, emphasizing a tender exchange that highlights familial affection and the gentle bonds of daily life.

Technique & Style

Utamaro employed the ukiyo‑e woodblock process, applying flat, saturated pigments without extensive shading. The use of bright hues and clean, uncomplicated lines creates a warm, serene atmosphere, characteristic of the artist’s focus on straightforward, yet expressive, visual storytelling.

History & Provenance

Printed circa 1800, the work was produced for the popular market rather than elite patrons, reflecting the widespread demand for affordable art that depicted relatable scenes. Its survival in private collections illustrates the continued appreciation of such everyday genre prints.