Who painted 喜多川歌麿画山姥と金太郎 |Yamauba Combing Her Hair with Kintarō?

喜多川歌麿画山姥と金太郎 |Yamauba Combing Her Hair with Kintarō was painted by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1801.

Where can I see 喜多川歌麿画山姥と金太郎 |Yamauba Combing Her Hair with Kintarō?

喜多川歌麿画山姥と金太郎 |Yamauba Combing Her Hair with Kintarō is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 喜多川歌麿画山姥と金太郎 |Yamauba Combing Her Hair with Kintarō?

喜多川歌麿画山姥と金太郎 |Yamauba Combing Her Hair with Kintarō is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

喜多川歌麿画山姥と金太郎 |Yamauba Combing Her Hair with Kintarō

Kitagawa Utamaro , 1801

喜多川歌麿画山姥と金太郎 |Yamauba Combing Her Hair with Kintarō is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1801 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, created around 1801 by Kitagawa Utamaro, depicts an intimate scene of a large woman assisting a young child with grooming. Executed in ink and color on paper as a nishiki-e print, it is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows a Yamauba (a mountain spirit) kneeling to comb the long black hair of Kintarō, a legendary child, who lies trustfully on his stomach. The Yamauba's partially obscured face contrasts with her prominently depicted strong hands, emphasizing her nurturing role.

Technique & Style

Utamaro employed simple, expressive lines and bold colors to convey the scene's warmth. The minimalist background, suggested by a few quick lines possibly indicating grass or fabric, focuses attention on the figures and their interaction.

History & Provenance

Dating to circa 1801, the print is a characteristic example of Utamaro's work during this period. It is now housed at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though specific details of its provenance before acquisition are not provided here.

Context

As a genre scene, this print reflects Utamaro's interest in depicting everyday life and mythological figures in a domestic context, a common theme in late 18th-century Japanese ukiyo-e art.