Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Kitao Masayoshi in 1783.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Kitao Masayoshi , 1783

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Kitao Masayoshi. It dates from 1783 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1783 by the Japanese printmaker Kuwagata Keisai, this untitled woodblock work measures a modest size and is executed in ink and color on paper. The piece is part of the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is displayed among other Edo‑period prints.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts two figures confined to a small boat caught in a violent storm. One man stands, clutching a pole for balance, while the other kneels, holding a bundled object. Their dark, simple garments—some bearing faint armor details—suggest a narrative of struggle against nature’s force, emphasizing human vulnerability.

Technique & Style

Keisai employs stark chiaroscuro, contrasting a deep, cloud‑filled sky with the pale, frothy crests of the waves. The rain is rendered in thick, slanting lines, and the water’s motion is suggested through curving, almost kinetic brushwork. The print’s line work, including cross‑hatching in the clouds, heightens the drama and gives the storm a palpable presence.

History & Provenance

The print entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s holdings through a mid‑20th‑century acquisition of Japanese prints, reflecting the museum’s broader effort to represent Edo‑period graphic arts. Its provenance prior to that purchase is not extensively documented, a common situation for many works of this type.