Artwork
Untitled
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.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting Untitled (1799) by Katsushika Hokusai is classified within the mythology genre, indicating that its imagery draws on narratives from Japanese myth.
The painting Untitled (1799) by Katsushika Hokusai is classified within the mythology genre, indicating that its imagery draws on narratives from Japanese myth. Executed as two sheets mounted together on ink on paper, the work exemplifies the artist’s exploration of legendary subjects during the late Edo period. Its placement in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art underscores its significance as a representative example of mythological painting in Japanese art.
The composition reflects traditional iconography associated with divine and heroic tales, though specific figures are not documented in the available records.
History & Provenance
The work Untitled by Katsushika Hokusai, dated 1799, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The museum acquired the piece, which consists of two ink-on-paper paintings mounted together depicting mythological subjects, as part of its holdings. The artwork is listed in the museum's records with an inception date of January 1, 1799.
No specific inventory or accession number is provided in the available records, nor is there information regarding a history of exhibitions for this specific work.
Overview
Created in 1799, this untitled work by Katsushika Hokusai consists of two ink drawings mounted together on paper. Both pieces are executed in monochrome, relying solely on line work without any pigment. The pairing presents a stark visual contrast, inviting viewers to compare the distinct characters rendered side by side.
Technique & Style
Hokusai employs swift, confident brushstrokes characteristic of his ink drawings, using varying line weight to convey form and emotion. Cross‑hatching appears in areas of shadow, building texture and depth without color. The simplicity of the lines emphasizes gesture and facial expression, allowing the viewer to focus on the psychological contrast between the two figures.
Context
During the 1790s, Hokusai explored a range of subjects, from landscape to folklore, often experimenting with ink on paper as a medium for quick studies. This dual composition aligns with his practice of pairing contrasting images to explore thematic dualities, a method also seen in his sketchbooks and preparatory works for larger prints.
Artist & collection
Artist
Katsushika Hokusai spent his life in Edo, now Tokyo, where he drew and carved prints for a living.
