Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1780.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Kitagawa Utamaro , 1780

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print by Kitagawa Utamaro is an allegorical work created in 1780, featuring a combination of musical and erotic elements.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a man and woman entwined together, with a shamisen, a traditional Japanese stringed instrument, placed beside them, suggesting a symbolic or metaphorical connection between music and intimacy.

Technique & Style

Characterized by fine lines and detailed rendering, the print showcases Utamaro's skill in capturing the texture of fabrics, such as the kimono worn by the figures, and was designed to be viewed in intimate settings, often by candlelight.

Context

Utamaro produced this work for private collectors, diverging from the more common practice of creating prints for temples or palaces, indicating a shift in the market and audience for his art.