Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsukawa Shunkō in 1791.

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 Shunkō , 1791

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunkō. It dates from 1791 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1791, this woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō depicts a solitary figure poised with a bow and arrows. The composition is framed by a minimal interior setting, featuring a red wall and a wooden ledge that recede behind the central character.

Subject & Meaning

The man is rendered in a dramatic stance, his robe adorned with bold geometric patterns and a prominent black circle on the chest. His expression is solemn, his thick black hair and moustache emphasizing a theatrical presence, suggesting a connection to contemporary stage roles.

Technique & Style

Shunkō employs crisp line work and subtle shading to delineate the figure from the background. The use of flat color blocks and sharp contours reflects the ukiyo-e aesthetic of the late 18th century, while the ready‑to‑fire arrows add a sense of kinetic tension.

History & Provenance

The print is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Its creation date places it within the prolific period of Katsukawa Shunkō’s career, when he produced numerous actor portraits that catered to the popular theater culture of Edo‑period Japan.