Artwork
Courtesan
Courtesan is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Kaigetsudō Ando. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1985.264
- Credit line
- The Kelvin Smith Collection, given by Mrs. Kelvin Smith
About this work
Overview
This painting depicts a solitary courtesan from Edo's Yoshiwara district, rendered in the distinctive style of the Kaigetsudō studio. A lone woman, dressed in a vibrant kimono with long sleeves extending beyond her knees, sits on a patterned mat, set against a minimalist background.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a courtesan, a professional providing entertainment and companionship in Edo's pleasure district. Her portrayal emphasizes beauty and status, characteristic of Kaigetsudō studio's focus on these figures.
Technique & Style
The work features bold, sweeping ink lines defining the figure, paired with high-contrast colors and intricate patterns on the kimono. The simple, blank background directs attention to the subject, typifying the studio's aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Painted in the style of the Kaigetsudō studio, popular in Edo's Yoshiwara district. Current location: part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Context
Created for Edo's pleasure-seeking audience, such artworks catered to the demand for representations of courtesans, reflecting the district's cultural and social significance.
Artist & collection
Artist
Kaigetsudō Ando (壊月堂安度, c. 1671–1743), also known as Ando Yasunori, was a Japanese painter and the founder of the Kaigetsudō school of ukiyo-e art. Though influential and prolific, it is probable that many of the works…
