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Artwork

Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World)

Kitagawa Utamaro , 1806

Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World), by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1806
Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World), by Kitagawa Utamaro, 1806

Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World) is a print by the Romanticist artist Kitagawa Utamaro. It dates from 1806 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1943.23
Credit line
Gift of Mrs. Ralph King

About this work

Overview

Woman Reading a Letter is a print by Kitagawa Utamaro, created in 1806, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a serene scene of a woman engrossed in reading a letter, likely referencing the life of the poet Ono no Komachi, as part of a series titled Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World.

Technique & Style

The composition is characterized by the use of bright colors and simple shapes, emphasizing the tranquility of the moment. The woman is dressed in a long pink robe with green and white patterns and wears a black hat adorned with yellow ribbons.

Komachi Washes the Book (from the series Seven Elegant Episodes from the Life of the Poetess Ono no Komachi)
Komachi Washes the Book (from the series Seven Elegant Episodes from the Life of the Poetess Ono no Komachi), Kikukawa Eizan

Artist & collection

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World)?

Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World) was painted by Kitagawa Utamaro in 1806.

Where can I see Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World)?

Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World)?

Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World) is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World)?

Museum-quality prints of Woman Reading a Letter (from the series Seven Episodes in the Life of Komachi in the Floating World) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.