Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Iwasa Matabē in early 17th century.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Baroque.

Untitled by Iwasa Matabē (early 17th century)

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a portrait, focusing on the representation of this literary individual rather than a broader narrative or allegory.

Created in 1616 by Iwasa Matabei, this hanging scroll portrays a male figure identified as a poet. The work functions as a portrait, focusing on the representation of this literary individual rather than a broader narrative or allegory. Although the title is generic, the image centres entirely on the depiction of the man, establishing his identity through the conventions of portraiture used in early seventeenth-century Japan.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1616, this hanging-scroll portrait uses ink and mineral pigments enhanced with gold and silver on a paper support. The work shows the formal qualities of Japanese portraiture from the early Edo period, depicting a male poet. The use of precious metals alongside coloured inks reflects a decorative approach, combining lavish materials with traditional brushwork to elevate the subject's status.

History & Provenance

The hanging scroll titled Untitled was created by the Japanese artist Iwasa Matabei in 1616. Executed in Japan, it uses ink, colour, gold, and silver on paper to depict a man identified as a poet. The painting is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it is kept among the museum's holdings; the catalogue does not assign it an explicit accession number. Exhibition records consulted contain no reference to prior public displays, loans, or travelling shows for this work.

Overview

This untitled hanging scroll, created in 1616 by the Japanese artist Iwasa Matabei, portrays a poet in a moment of contemplation. Executed with ink, color, gold, and silver on paper, the work exemplifies painting from the early Tokugawa period. Matabei was recognized for his genre scenes, literary illustrations, and distinctive portraiture, often featuring figures with specific facial characteristics.

Context

Iwasa Matabei was a prominent Japanese painter active during the early Tokugawa period, a time of significant cultural development. He was particularly recognized for his ability to depict genre scenes and literary subjects, often infusing his portraits with a unique sensibility. The theme of the poet in contemplation was a recurring motif in Japanese art, reflecting a broader cultural appreciation for scholarly pursuits and inner reflection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Iwasa Matabē

Iwasa Matabei (岩佐又兵衛); original name Araki Katsumochi 1578 – July 20, 1650) was a Japanese artist of the early Tokugawa period, who specialized in genre scenes of historical events and illustrations of classical…