Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Tōshū in 1794.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Tōshū , 1794

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Tōshū. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a woodblock print created by Tōshūsai Sharaku in 1794, featuring a dramatic portrayal of a theatrical figure.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts an actor, likely from a theatrical performance, with a woman in the background. The actor's intense expression and the woman's gesture convey a moment of tension or drama.

Technique & Style

Sharaku's work is characterized by its vivid, unflinching representation of the human face, achieved through bold carving and ink application. Unlike his contemporaries, who often smoothed out imperfections, Sharaku emphasized the textures and flaws of his subjects.

History & Provenance

Sharaku was a prolific printmaker for a brief period, producing around 100 works in ten months before disappearing from the art scene. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unknown.

Context

These prints were created for the theater-going public, reflecting the cultural significance of theatrical performances in late 18th-century Japan.