Who painted Two Courtesans?

Two Courtesans was painted by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1780.

Where can I see Two Courtesans?

Two Courtesans is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Two Courtesans?

Two Courtesans is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Two Courtesans?

Museum-quality prints of Two Courtesans are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Two Courtesans

Kitagawa Utamaro , 1780

Two Courtesans is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1943.26
Credit line: Gift of Mrs. Ralph King

About this work

Overview

Two Courtesans is a print by Kitagawa Utamaro, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Created around 1780, it exemplifies Utamaro's work in ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts two women, likely courtesans, with elegant hairstyles and traditional robes. Their subtle poses and expressions convey a sense of refinement and intimacy. The simple background and decorative elements, such as flowers and a scroll, add to the serene atmosphere.

Technique & Style

The print showcases Utamaro's attention to detail, particularly in the women's hair, adorned with simple pins and flowers. The color palette is subdued, with soft hues of yellow, red, and brown. The overall effect is one of understated elegance, characteristic of Utamaro's style.

History & Provenance

The print is dated to around 1780, a period when Utamaro was establishing himself as a prominent artist in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). It is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, where it remains a significant example of his work.