Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Shibata Zeshin. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1882 by Japanese artist Shibata Zeshin, this untitled work presents a quiet scene of two dragonflies hovering above a dark, reflective pond. Executed on paper, the composition captures a fleeting moment of insect life in a minimalist setting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting focuses on Anisoptera, the order of insects commonly known as dragonflies. Their poised, hovering forms suggest a delicate balance between air and water, inviting contemplation of transience and the subtle interactions within a natural habitat.
Technique & Style
Zeshin applied lacquer—a viscous sap derived from trees—to a paper support, a practice more typical of decorative objects than fine art. The lacquer hardens to a glossy finish, giving the water surface and the insects’ wings a wet, luminous quality that echoes the soft transitions associated with sfumato.
History & Provenance
The piece belongs to Zeshin’s late career, a period when he explored unconventional materials and subjects. While specific ownership records are limited, the work is recognized as part of the artist’s broader experimentation with lacquer as a medium for painting.
Artist & collection
