Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Kitao Shigemasa, ink, 1766
Untitled, by Kitao Shigemasa, ink, 1766

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitao Shigemasa. It dates from 1766 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a woodblock print by Japanese artist Kitao Shigemasa, dated to circa 1766. The work is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a man in a intricately designed red kimono, grasping a sword and a yellow umbrella. His serious demeanor contrasts with the dynamic pose, suggesting impending movement. The subject's identity and the scene's context are not explicitly stated, leaving interpretation open.

Technique & Style

The woodblock print features bold lines and vibrant colors, characteristic of 18th-century Japanese printmaking. The composition's energy and sense of movement are heightened by the juxtaposition of the figure's poised yet dynamic stance against the more serene natural background of a fence, tree, and distant mountains.

History & Provenance

Created around 1766, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Metropolitan Museum of Art is not detailed here. It represents a piece from the mid-period of Japanese woodblock printing, a flourishing art form during this time.

Context

While the specific influences on this work are not detailed, it reflects the broader aesthetic trends of its time. Note: The mentioned connection to Romanticism in the source is anachronistic, as Romanticism emerged later in Europe; this work is more accurately contextualized within Japanese ukiyo-e traditions.

Legacy

The legacy of 'Untitled' by Kitao Shigemasa is not extensively outlined in the provided information. As part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, it contributes to the understanding and appreciation of 18th-century Japanese woodblock printing techniques and aesthetics.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Kitao Shigemasa

Artist

Kitao Shigemasa

Kitao Shigemasa (北尾 重政; 1739 – 8 March 1820) was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist from Edo.