Artwork
Horse Race at Kamo
Horse Race at Kamo is an unspecified painting by Sumiyoshi Hiromori. It dates from 1741 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This painting, titled Horse Race at Kamo, was created by Sumiyoshi Hiromori in 1741. It captures a dynamic moment from a traditional horse race, showcasing the intensity of both the competitors and the onlookers. The artwork is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering a glimpse into historical Japanese sporting events and artistic conventions of the period.
Subject & Meaning
The composition vividly portrays a spirited horse race, with jockeys clad in vibrant red and blue urging their horses forward at full gallop.
The composition vividly portrays a spirited horse race, with jockeys clad in vibrant red and blue urging their horses forward at full gallop. A fence separates the racing ground from an eager crowd of spectators, who lean intently to observe the action. This arrangement emphasizes the excitement of the event, drawing parallels to contemporary sporting spectacles where a boundary divides participants from an engaged audience.
Technique & Style
Hiromori employs a distinct style characterized by simple, flat colors for the background elements, such as trees, fences, and distant buildings. Despite the static medium, the artist conveys a sense of rapid motion through the depiction of the horses' powerful musculature and the focused expressions of the riders. The energetic lines and bold forms contribute to the painting's lively and immediate impact, capturing the fleeting thrill of the race.
Artist & collection
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