Artwork

野戦病院行幸之図|Illustration of the Empress Visiting a Field Hospital [in Hiroshima] (Yasen byōin gyōkō no zu)

野戦病院行幸之図|Illustration of the Empress Visiting a Field Hospital [in Hiroshima] (Yasen byōin gyōkō no zu) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Kobayashi Kiyochika. It dates from 1895 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Illustration of the Empress Visiting a Field Hospital is a triptych woodblock print by Kobayashi Kiyochika, dated 1895, now in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work depicts a solemn scene set in a field hospital, divided into three interconnected vignettes.

Subject & Meaning

The print captures a dignified visit by the Empress to a field hospital, likely in Hiroshima. The left panel focuses on medical care, with a suited attendant, nurses, and a patient. The right panels convey a formal exchange between the Empress (in a long dress) and a suited individual, accompanied by other dignitaries. The overall mood is one of respectful solemnity.

Technique & Style

Executed in ink and color on paper, the triptych showcases Kiyochika's woodblock print technique. Vibrant colors, such as red curtains and pink floors, contrast with the formal, dark attire of the figures, highlighting the artist's balance of vibrancy and restraint.

History & Provenance

Created in 1895, the work is attributed to Kobayashi Kiyochika. It is currently part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, though the acquisition history is not detailed here.

Context

This print reflects late 19th-century Japanese society's intersection of traditional formal attire with modern medical settings, possibly capturing a significant event or promoting imperial benevolence during a time of conflict or crisis.

Legacy

As a characteristic example of Kiyochika's oeuvre, the print offers insight into the artist's ability to capture contemporary scenes with a mix of traditional techniques and modern subjects, contributing to the understanding of his artistic contributions.