Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Hishikawa Moronobu. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work represents a scene from Japanese mythology, characterized by the presence of the mythical beast and the human figure within a single painted frame.
The painting Untitled by Hishikawa Moronobu, created in 1656, belongs to the mythology genre and centers on the interaction between a dragon and a woman. As a work of Japanese mythological art, the composition depicts these two figures as its primary subjects. The pairing of a dragon with a female figure suggests a narrative rooted in traditional folklore or legend, though the exact story is defined by the visual pairing of these distinct entities.
The work represents a scene from Japanese mythology, characterized by the presence of the mythical beast and the human figure within a single painted frame.
Technique & Style
Created in 1656 by Hishikawa Moronobu, this work is executed as a matted painting using ink and color applied to a paper support. The composition formally depicts a dragon alongside a female figure, drawing upon mythological themes characteristic of the artist's genre. The integration of pigment and ink on the paper surface defines the material handling of the piece.
History & Provenance
Created in 1656 in Japan, this matted painting in ink and color on paper is attributed to the artist Hishikawa Moronobu. The work, which depicts a dragon and a woman within a mythological context, is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. No further details regarding its specific commission, prior ownership history, or creation circumstances are provided in the available records.
Context
Untitled (1656) is a mythological painting by Hishikawa Moronobu, a leading figure of the early Edo period known for narrative scrolls. The work, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, portrays a dragon together with a woman, a motif drawn from Japanese legend. It reflects the era’s interest in supernatural narratives and Moronobu’s role in the development of narrative imagery within the early ukiyo-e tradition.
Overview
This untitled work by Hishikawa Moronobu, executed in 1656, is an ink and color painting on paper. It presents a mythological scene featuring a woman and a prominent dragon. The composition reflects the artistic conventions of its era, showcasing a narrative element through its depiction of these figures.
Artist & collection
