Who painted 東海道五十三次之内赤阪|Akasaka Station?

東海道五十三次之内赤阪|Akasaka Station was painted by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1842.

Where can I see 東海道五十三次之内赤阪|Akasaka Station?

東海道五十三次之内赤阪|Akasaka Station is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 東海道五十三次之内赤阪|Akasaka Station?

東海道五十三次之内赤阪|Akasaka Station is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

東海道五十三次之内赤阪|Akasaka Station

Utagawa Hiroshige , 1842

東海道五十三次之内赤阪|Akasaka Station is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1842 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Akasaka Station is a woodblock print from Utagawa Hiroshige's series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō, created circa 1842. This nighttime scene captures a moment along the historic Tōkaidō road, characterized by Hiroshige's distinctive use of ink, color, and composition.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene nighttime road scene with five figures, a horse, and a prominent red lantern, set against the backdrop of tall pine trees and distant hills. The subject reflects Hiroshige's inclination towards atmospheric landscapes over typical urban ukiyo-e themes.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige employs bold outlines, flat colors, and subtle tonal gradations to evoke movement and mood. The contrast between the bright red lantern and the dark, cross-hatched trees and sky creates visual depth, showcasing his mastery of ukiyo-e techniques.

History & Provenance

Created around 1842 for The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō series, Akasaka Station represents one of Hiroshige's later works, solidifying his position as the last great master of the ukiyo-e tradition during the late Edo period.

Context

Part of a larger series documenting stations along the Tōkaidō road, this print reflects the road's cultural and historical significance in 19th-century Japan, while also highlighting Hiroshige's departure from traditional ukiyo-e subjects.

Legacy

Akasaka Station contributes to Hiroshige's legacy as a innovator in ukiyo-e, particularly in capturing the beauty of natural landscapes at night, influencing subsequent artistic movements with its unique blend of simplicity and emotional depth.

Artist & collection

Artist

Utagawa Hiroshige

Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川広重) or Andō Hiroshige (安藤広重), born Andō Tokutarō (安藤徳太郎; 1797 – 12 October 1858), was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.