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

You see a man in a dark robe holding a fan, his face sharp and almost cartoonish.

Sharaku made these prints of kabuki actors in 1794–95, but no one knows who he really was—his whole career lasted only ten months. The mica ground (a shimmery mineral dust) makes the paper glow like stage lights.

Look up other prints in the subject actors.

Overview

This untitled woodblock print, created by Tōshūsai Sharaku in 1794, is a portrait of Segawa Kikunojō III, a kabuki actor, depicted holding a hand fan. Characterized by a dark robe and a sharply defined, somewhat caricatured face, the print showcases Sharaku's distinctive style.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Segawa Kikunojō III, was a renowned kabuki actor. The inclusion of a hand fan may allude to a specific role or emphasize the actor's persona, though the exact context remains unclear. The portrait reflects Sharaku's focus on capturing the essence of kabuki performers during his brief but prolific period of activity.

Technique & Style

Technically, the print features a mica ground, imparting a shimmering, luminous quality reminiscent of stage lighting. Sharaku's style is marked by bold, expressive lines and a tendency towards caricature, as seen in the actor's sharp, exaggerated facial features.

History & Provenance

Created in 1794, this print is part of Sharaku's output from a remarkably short career spanning only ten months (1794-1795). Despite the brevity of his career, Sharaku produced a significant number of kabuki actor portraits, with the identity of the artist remaining a mystery.

Context

This work is contextualized within Sharaku's series of kabuki actor prints from the late 18th century, a period of flourishing Japanese woodblock printing. For deeper understanding, comparing this print with others of the same subject or by the same artist can provide insights into Sharaku's artistic approach and the cultural significance of kabuki.