Artwork

「生寫異國人物」|American Woman Playing a Concertina, from the series Life Drawings of People from Foreign Nations

「生寫異國人物」|American Woman Playing a Concertina, from the series Life Drawings of People from Foreign Nations is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide. It dates from 1860 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, titled 'American Woman Playing a Concertina', is part of a series called 'Life Drawings of People from Foreign Nations' by Utagawa Sadahide, created in 1860. It is a colorful representation of a scene featuring Western figures.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman in a vibrant blue dress with floral patterns and a man in a dark blue coat standing together, with a black-and-white dog between them. The woman is playing a concertina, an accordion-like instrument.

Technique & Style

The artist employed bold colors and clear lines to render the details of the figures' clothing and the dog's fur, showcasing the characteristics of the woodblock print technique.

History & Provenance

The print is held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, indicating its significance and preservation.

Artist & collection

Artist

Utagawa (Gountei) Sadahide

Utagawa Sadahide , also known as Gountei Sadahide, was a Japanese artist best known for his prints in the ukiyo-e style as a member of the Utagawa school.