Artwork

万国名勝尽競之内魯西亜本都伯徳|Heidoru (St. Petersberg), Capital of Russia, from the series Famous Places from All Nations (Bankoku meisho zukushi - Oroshiya miyako heidoru)

万国名勝尽競之内魯西亜本都伯徳|Heidoru (St. Petersberg), Capital of Russia, from the series Famous Places from All Nations (Bankoku meisho zukushi - Oroshiya miyako heidoru) is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Utagawa Yoshitora. It dates from 2 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Utagawa Yoshitora’s triptych, part of the series “Famous Places from All Nations,” presents a panoramic view of an interior space in St. Petersburg, Russia. Executed with ink and color on paper, the three panels together form a cohesive scene that captures the architectural grandeur of the city’s capital.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a spacious hall with a high vaulted ceiling, flanked by arches and columns. Light filters through numerous windows, illuminating a floor rendered in a pale blue‑green hue. In the foreground, several women in long, flowing dresses assume varied poses, suggesting a social gathering or ceremonial occasion within the elegant setting.

Technique & Style

Created through traditional Japanese woodblock printing, the work combines precise line work with layered color washes. The triptych format allows for an expansive narrative, while the use of ink outlines and subtle shading conveys depth and architectural detail characteristic of late Edo‑period ukiyo‑e.

History & Provenance

Produced in the early 19th century, the print was part of a broader effort to depict notable foreign locales for a Japanese audience. The piece entered the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains on display as an example of cross‑cultural visual exchange.