Artwork

三代目大谷廣右衛門|The Third Otani Hiroemon as an Outlaw Standing Near a Willow Tree

三代目大谷廣右衛門|The Third Otani Hiroemon as an Outlaw Standing Near a Willow Tree is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 3 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, created by Katsukawa Shunshō, depicts a dramatic scene featuring the Third Otani Hiroemon. The Metropolitan Museum of Art holds the work.

Subject & Meaning

The print shows Otani Hiroemon as an outlaw, struggling under a heavy wooden beam, with a scroll or fan in hand. A smaller image within the scroll contains another figure. The character's exaggerated expression and pose suggest a theatrical performance.

Technique & Style

Bold black outlines and flat colors create strong contrasts in the print. The artist's use of these elements emphasizes the character's dramatic pose and expression, indicating a theatrical context.

Context

The subject of the print, Otani Hiroemon, was an actor, and the work reflects the influence of theater on this type of art. The character's portrayal and the overall composition are likely shaped by theatrical performances.