Who painted A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints?

A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints was painted by Torii Kiyonobu in 1710.

Where can I see A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints?

A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints?

A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints is associated with Ukiyo-e.

Can I buy a print of A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints?

Museum-quality prints of A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints

Torii Kiyonobu , 1710

A Professional Baffoon, from a untitled series of 12 prints is an unspecified painting by the Ukiyo-e artist Torii Kiyonobu. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1710, *A Professional Baffoon* is one of twelve untitled prints produced by Torii Kiyonobu I, an early Edo‑period artist associated with the ukiyo‑e tradition. The work portrays a solitary figure seated on the floor, dressed in a conventional Japanese costume and holding a fan, set against a plain, light‑toned wall with minimal furnishings.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure appears to be a performer—likely an actor or musician—evidenced by his attire, hairstyle, and the fan, which may serve as a theatrical prop. His composed facial expression and the domestic setting suggest a moment of contemplation rather than overt comedy, hinting at the nuanced roles occupied by entertainers in kabuki culture.

Technique & Style

Kiyonobu employs bold line work and a restrained palette typical of early ukiyo‑e prints. The composition relies on clear contours and subtle shading to convey depth, while the simple background emphasizes the figure’s presence. The use of chiaroscuro, though modest, adds a three‑dimensional quality to the scene.

History & Provenance

Torii Kiyonobu I, born around 1664 in Osaka, relocated to Edo at twenty‑four and quickly became a leading figure in the city’s artistic community. Alongside his father, Torii Kiyomoto, he helped establish the Torii school, which specialized in kabuki signage and related visual culture. This print reflects his early involvement in documenting theatrical life.

Context

During the early eighteenth century, Edo’s burgeoning entertainment districts fostered a demand for visual representations of kabuki actors and their roles. Kiyonobu’s work catered to this market, providing both promotional material and popular imagery that celebrated the performers who populated the city’s stages.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Torii Kiyonobu

Torii Kiyonobu I (Japanese: 鳥居清信; c. 1664 – 22 August 1729) was a Japanese painter and printmaker in the ukiyo-e style, who is renowned for his work on kabuki signboards and related materials. Along with his father…