Untitled
1786
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
1786
ink
From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art
This print shows two men in bright, patterned robes. The one standing holds a sword and a fan, with a crown of feathers on his head. The seated man wears a red hat and holds a fan too, sitting on a low platform with a square cushion. Both have bold black outlines and flat colors—reds, golds, and dark shadows. Notice how the standing figure’s face is half-lit, almost like stage lighting. The artist used sharp lines and simple shapes to make them look dramatic. Next, check out theatre, actor to see how this style fits into performance art.
