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Untitled

Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英

1793

ink

paper

From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art

Romanticism 18th Century Actor

Dominant colour

Untitled is a 1793 ink by Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英, a Romanticism work, depicting Actor, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Katsukawa Shun'ei 勝川春英
When & what style?: 1793 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Metropolitan Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows two figures in dramatic poses. The person on the left is shirtless, holding a spear over their shoulder, with a fierce expression and wrapped cloth around their waist. The one on the right is dressed in flowing robes, holding a sword, with a calm but strong stance. Both stand on a simple landscape with hills and a few trees in the background. Notice how the colors are bright but flat, with bold outlines and simple shading. The figures look like they’re performing—maybe from a play or story. The artist used clean lines and limited colors to make the characters stand out. Look up actor next to see how theater performers inspired this style.