Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a watercolor painting. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a still life arrangement featuring a dog and a flower. Created by the Hokusai School in 1834, the work presents these two subjects together on an unmounted paper support. As a genre piece, the composition focuses on the visual relationship between the animal and the botanical element without depicting a broader narrative scene.
Technique & Style
Created in 1834 by an artist of the Hokusai School, this unmounted work is executed in ink and watercolor on paper. The painting measures 27 cm in height and 39.1 cm in width. Stylistically, the composition functions as a still life, depicting a dog alongside floral elements.
The piece originates from Japan and is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
History & Provenance
It was included in the exhibition “Hokusai: Mad about Painting,” held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from October 1, 2019, to January 5, 2020.
Created in 1834 in Japan, this unmounted painting on paper featuring ink and watercolor is attributed to the Hokusai School. The work, which depicts a dog and flowers, entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is currently held. No specific details regarding its commission or prior ownership history prior to its museum acquisition are provided in the available records.
The painting is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, with the accession number 2018.353.
It was included in the exhibition “Hokusai: Mad about Painting,” held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from October 1, 2019, to January 5, 2020.
Overview
This untitled work from the Hokusai School, created in 1834, is an unmounted painting rendered in ink and watercolor on paper. It captures a moment of natural observation, depicting a small dog engaging with a floral branch. The piece exemplifies the spontaneous approach characteristic of the workshop, focusing on a common subject with a fresh perspective and offering insight into the artistic practices of the period.
Context
Originating from the Hokusai School around 1834, this painting was likely not intended for formal display in a grand setting like a temple or palace. Instead, its unmounted format and spontaneous execution suggest it served as a practice piece or a quick sketch by an artist within Hokusai's workshop. It offers insight into the daily creative processes and training methods employed by the artists of the school.
Artist & collection
