Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Suzuki Harunobu. It dates from 1763 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This untitled woodblock print, circa 1763, by Suzuki Harunobu, features a serene depiction of a woman in a flowing robe, accompanied by a fence adorned with pale pink flowers and holding a tall flute. The composition emphasizes the subject and floral elements against a largely empty background.
Subject & Meaning
The print portrays a woman in contemplative pose, her dark hair pulled back and adorned with a simple black headpiece. Her attire and the flute she holds suggest a figure engaged in or prepared for a traditional, possibly musical or poetic, activity.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Suzuki Harunobu's mastery of woodblock printing, utilizing multiple woodblocks for layered color application. The soft, blended colors in the woman's robe and the flowers are characteristic of the artist's style, eschewing harsh lines for a gentle, nuanced visual effect.
History & Provenance
Created around 1763, this print is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. While the subject's specific identity and the print's original context are not detailed here, its technique reflects the advancements in woodblock printing of its time.
Context
Produced in the mid-18th century, this print aligns with the flourishing of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese woodblock prints that often depicted scenes of beauty, leisure, and traditional practices. The empty background is a common device in ukiyo-e to focus attention on the main subject.
Artist & collection
