Who painted 東海道五十三次荒井|Arai?

東海道五十三次荒井|Arai was painted by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1840.

Where can I see 東海道五十三次荒井|Arai?

東海道五十三次荒井|Arai is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 東海道五十三次荒井|Arai?

東海道五十三次荒井|Arai is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

東海道五十三次荒井|Arai

Utagawa Hiroshige , 1840

東海道五十三次荒井|Arai is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1840 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, Arai, is part of Utagawa Hiroshige's series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō, created around 1840. It is a representative work of Hiroshige's landscape style, characterized by a serene and evocative atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tranquil lakeside scene with a small island, people strolling along a fenced path, and tall pine trees lining the shore. A stone lantern and a bridge add to the scenery, set against a looming mountain in the background.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige employed simple shapes and bold colors to achieve a dreamy effect. The composition features soft, flat colors and clean lines, with the trees and water blending into the surrounding environment, characteristic of his signature ukiyo-e style.

History & Provenance

The print is held in The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifying Hiroshige's contribution to the late Edo period's ukiyo-e art, which shifted focus from urban to natural and scenic themes.

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.