Artwork

Actors

Actors, by Utagawa Toyokuni I, 1797
Actors, by Utagawa Toyokuni I, 1797

Actors is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Toyokuni I. It dates from 1797 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Actors is a print created in 1797 by Japanese artist Utagawa Toyokuni, currently part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of 'Actors' depicts figures from Japanese theater, likely referencing traditional performances of the time, though specific identities or plays are not detailed in available information.

Technique & Style

As a work from the late 18th century by a prominent ukiyo-e artist, 'Actors' would have been produced using woodblock printing techniques characteristic of the genre, though specific stylistic innovations or deviations by Toyokuni in this piece are not specified.

History & Provenance

Created in 1797, 'Actors' by Utagawa Toyokuni is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, indicating its journey from Japan to a Western collection, though the exact path of acquisition is not provided.

Context

This print reflects the flourishing of ukiyo-e in late 18th-century Japan, capturing the cultural fascination with theater and performance arts of the Edo period.

Legacy

As part of Toyokuni's oeuvre, 'Actors' contributes to the artist's influence on the development of ukiyo-e, particularly in portraying theatrical subjects, though its individual impact compared to his other works is not highlighted.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Utagawa Toyokuni I

Artist

Utagawa Toyokuni I

Toyokuni was a born showman who made sure the energy of Edo’s kabuki stage never faded on paper.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.