Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shunchō in 1778.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Katsukawa Shunchō , 1778

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunchō. It dates from 1778 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunchō, dating to circa 1778, now in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts three women in traditional, flowing robes and tall hats, arranged in a line. Their poses, while naturalistic, convey a sense of stylized formality, suggesting a deliberate presentation of elegance.

Technique & Style

Shunchō employed simple, expressive lines and flat, muted colors to achieve a calm, refined atmosphere. The plain background emphasizes the women, highlighting the intricate, swirling patterns on their clothing.

History & Provenance

Created in the late 18th century, the work is characteristic of Shunchō's genre scenes. Its current location is The Metropolitan Museum of Art, though earlier ownership details are not specified here.

Context

This piece reflects the ukiyo-e tradition's focus on capturing everyday life and beauty in Edo-period Japan, with a particular emphasis on the attire and demeanor of women from the era.

『雛形若菜初模様　玉や内　しら玉』|The Courtesan Shiratama of the Tamaya Brothel, from the series “A Pat-tern Book of the Year’s First Designs, Fresh as Spring Herbs” (“Hinagata wakana hatsu moyō”), Isoda Koryūsai

Artist & collection

Artist

Katsukawa Shunchō

Katsukawa Shunchō lived in Edo (now Tokyo) during the late 1700s, a time when floating-world prints, colorful scenes of theater, courtesans, and everyday life, were all the rage.