Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1850
Untitled, by Utagawa Hiroshige, ink, 1850

Untitled is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print is a work by Utagawa Hiroshige, created in 1850 using ink and color on paper. It is a representative example of the artist's landscape-focused style, characteristic of the late Edo period.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene snowy landscape under a starry night sky, featuring trees, a small building, and distant mountains. The scene emphasizes natural scenery over human figures, showcasing Hiroshige's departure from traditional ukiyo-e subjects.

Technique & Style

Hiroshige employed simple lines and soft colors to convey depth and tranquility in the scene. The use of ink and color on paper is typical of ukiyo-e woodblock prints, which often prioritized atmospheric and scenic views.

History & Provenance

The print is part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection. Its condition shows signs of aging, with some fading and minor marks on the paper, consistent with its age and historical significance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Utagawa Hiroshige

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.