Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Katsushika Hokusai in 18th–19th century.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Untitled

Katsushika Hokusai , 1799

Untitled is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Katsushika Hokusai. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 56.121.34
Credit line: Gift of Annette Young, in memory of her brother, Innis Young, 1956

About this work

Subject & Meaning

By isolating this small creature against an unadorned background, the artist elevates a common natural element into a focused study of form and texture.

Created in 1799 by Katsushika Hokusai, this ink-on-paper work is classified as a still life. The composition focuses entirely on a single snail, which serves as the sole depicted subject. By isolating this small creature against an unadorned background, the artist elevates a common natural element into a focused study of form and texture.

The piece represents a direct observation of the natural world, characteristic of Hokusai's broader interest in documenting various species through precise brushwork.

Technique & Style

Created in 1799, this work by Katsushika Hokusai is executed in ink on paper. The piece functions as a still life, depicting a snail with formal simplicity characteristic of the artist's approach to the subject. The support measures 24.8 cm in height and 18.7 cm in width. Originating from Japan, the artwork is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Overview

Katsushika Hokusai's Untitled, created in 1799, is an ink on paper composition. This still life depicts two snails slowly ascending a slender bamboo stalk. The artwork exemplifies Hokusai's keen observation of the natural world, rendered with a delicate hand.

It offers a quiet moment of contemplation on small life forms, characteristic of the artist's broader engagement with diverse subjects throughout his career.

Context

This drawing reflects Hokusai's lifelong commitment to daily artistic practice and his continuous study of the natural world. Even in his earlier career, as evidenced by this 1799 work, he meticulously observed and captured everyday subjects. His dedication to drawing, regardless of the subject's grandeur, allowed him to imbue simple scenes like this with depth and quiet contemplation.