Who painted Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants?

Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants was painted by Kano Naonobu in 1604.

Where can I see Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants?

Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants?

Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants?

Museum-quality prints of Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants

Kano Naonobu , 1604

Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Kano Naonobu. It dates from 1604 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2006.142
Credit line: Gift of William Kelly Simpson in memory of his wife Marilyn M. Simpson and her grandparents Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller Jr.

About this work

Overview

Winter Scene with Plum Trees and Pheasants is a landscape painting created by Kanō Naonobu of the Kanō school during the early Edo period, circa 1604. Composed of two panels, it exemplifies Naonobu's unique style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene winter landscape with bare plum trees, pheasants on the ground, and subtle plum blossoms. The scene emphasizes the quiet vitality of nature amidst a predominantly empty, muted backdrop.

Technique & Style

Naonobu employed bold negative space, refined ink wash techniques, simple shapes, and flat colors to create a sense of stillness. The composition highlights the contrast between the tranquility of the environment and the understated presence of life forms.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Kanō Naonobu (also known as Jitekisai), the painting reflects his work outside major Tokugawa shogunate commissions. As the younger brother of Kanō Tan'yū, Naonobu's work contributes to the Kanō school's legacy.

Context

Emerging from the early Edo period, this work aligns with the Kanō school's tradition while showcasing Naonobu's distinct approach to capturing natural subjects in a state of serene isolation.

Legacy

While not directly comparable to Western styles, the balance and dramatic restraint in Naonobu's work might appeal to admirers of Baroque art's harmonious compositions, though his style remains rooted in Japanese aesthetic principles.