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.

Untitled by Katsushika Hokusai (18th–19th century)

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The visual subject matter focuses entirely on this man, serving as a document of a performer from late eighteenth-century Japan.

Created in 1799 by Katsushika Hokusai, this ink-on-paper work is classified as a portrait. The composition depicts a male figure who is specifically identified as an actor. While the piece carries the generic title Untitled, its iconography is rooted in the representation of a specific individual from the theatrical profession rather than an abstract concept or landscape.

The visual subject matter focuses entirely on this man, serving as a document of a performer from late eighteenth-century Japan. The sources do not provide further details regarding specific symbolic attributes, narrative context, or deeper allegorical meanings beyond the straightforward depiction of the actor.

Technique & Style

Created in 1799 in Japan, this work is an ink painting on paper executed by Katsushika Hokusai. Classified as a portrait within the realm of paintings, the piece depicts a male actor. The composition measures 24.8 centimeters in height and 34.6 centimeters in width.

Stylistically, the work functions as a representational image of a specific individual, utilizing ink as the primary pigment applied directly to a paper support. The surviving physical object is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where its dimensions and medium have been cataloged. The application of ink suggests a focus on line and tonal variation typical of the artist's output during this period, though specific handling marks or current condition reports are not detailed in the available records.

History & Provenance

Created in 1799 by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai, this ink-on-paper portrait depicts a male actor. The work originated in Japan and measures approximately 24.8 by 34.6 centimeters. While specific details regarding its original commission or early ownership history are not provided in the available records, the piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains located. The artwork is classified as a painting within the museum's holdings.

Context

Hokusai’s 1799 ink drawing Untitled, portraying an unidentified actor, exemplifies his early portraiture within the ukiyo-e tradition. Documented in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, the work reflects the artist’s fascination with theatrical figures and the cultural prominence of kabuki during the Edo period. Its precise draftsmanship and compositional balance have been noted in scholarly catalogues of Hokusai’s oeuvre, positioning the piece as a transitional study between his early figurative sketches and later iconic landscape series.

The artwork’s provenance, confirmed by its inclusion in the museum’s catalogue, underscores its significance as a rare surviving example of Hokusai’s ink portraiture.

Overview

Katsushika Hokusai's Untitled, created in 1799, is an ink on paper work depicting an actor. This piece captures a performer mid-action, characterized by swift, confident lines. The subject's face is partially obscured by a fan, inviting viewers to interpret the dramatic moment through gesture and posture rather than direct facial expression. It exemplifies Hokusai's ability to convey movement and character with minimal detail.