Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Utagawa Hiroshige in 1854.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Untitled

Utagawa Hiroshige , 1854

Untitled is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This untitled woodblock print from 1854, created by Utagawa Hiroshige, showcases a vivid scene of a rooster perched on a fence, set against a backdrop of blooming flowers and foliage, executed in ink and color on paper.

Subject & Meaning

Departing from traditional ukiyo-e themes of courtesans and actors, Hiroshige focuses on a naturalistic motif: a brightly colored rooster on a fence, accompanied by pink flowers and blue-green foliage, emphasizing his shift towards landscape and natural subjects.

Technique & Style

Utilizing woodblock printing techniques, Hiroshige achieves a striking contrast between the rooster's bold, multicolored plumage (yellow, red, blue-green) and the simpler, more subdued elements of the fence and surrounding vegetation.

History & Provenance

Created in 1854 by Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858), a pivotal figure in the late ukiyo-e tradition, the print is now part of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection.

Context

This work reflects Hiroshige's innovative divergence from typical ukiyo-e subjects, aligning with his renowned landscape series while incorporating elements of natural beauty in a more intimate setting.

Legacy

As one of Hiroshige's later works, it contributes to his legacy as a master who expanded ukiyo-e's thematic boundaries, influencing subsequent artistic movements with his emphasis on natural landscapes and motifs.

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.