Artwork
The Actor Ichikawa Raizo as Soga No Goro
The Actor Ichikawa Raizo as Soga No Goro is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1774 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Actor Ichikawa Raizo as Soga No Goro is a print depicting a renowned actor in a significant role from Japanese theater.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows Ichikawa Raizo portraying Soga No Goro, a character from a play about the Soga brothers' revenge for their father's death, a popular narrative during Japan's Edo period.
Context
This work reflects the theatrical culture of Edo-period Japan, where the story of the Soga brothers was well-known and frequently performed.
Legacy
The print is associated with the artistic tradition represented by Katsukawa Shunshō, a notable figure in Japanese art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsukawa Shunshō spent his life in Edo (now Tokyo), where the city’s teahouses and theaters buzzed with energy.
