Who painted Procession of Insects?

Procession of Insects was painted by Nishiyama Kan'ei in 1865-01-01.

Where can I see Procession of Insects?

Procession of Insects is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Procession of Insects?

Procession of Insects is associated with Nihonga.

Can I buy a print of Procession of Insects?

Museum-quality prints of Procession of Insects are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Procession of Insects

Nishiyama Kan'ei , 1865

Procession of Insects is an unspecified painting by the Nihonga artist Nishiyama Kan'ei. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the movement and arrangement of these small organisms, treating them as the sole figures in the scene.

The painting depicts a procession of insects, presenting these creatures as the primary subject of the work. Created by Nishiyama Kan'ei in 1865, the artwork focuses on the visual representation of insects within a Japanese context. The composition centers on the movement and arrangement of these small organisms, treating them as the sole figures in the scene.

While the specific symbolic intent or deeper iconographic meaning is not detailed in the available records, the work is defined by its literal portrayal of an insect gathering.

History & Provenance

The painting Procession of Insects was created in 1865 by the Japanese artist Nishiyama Kan'ei. Produced in Japan during the mid-19th century, the work depicts a gathering of insects. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which serves as its known location and institutional owner.

The painting Procession of Insects by Nishiyama Kan'ei, dated to 1865, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The work depicts insects and originates from Japan. While the artwork is confirmed to be part of the museum's holdings, the provided sources do not specify an accession or inventory number, nor do they list any exhibition history for the piece.

Legacy

Procession of Insects has been recognized for its delicate rendering of natural subjects and its subtle commentary on transience, influencing subsequent Japanese naturalist painters who explored similar themes of ephemerality. The work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, where it is displayed alongside other Meiji-era works that examine the intersection of scientific observation and artistic practice.

Overview

Procession of Insects, executed by Nishiyama Kan'ei in 1865, is a modestly sized painting in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work presents a linear arrangement of various insects moving across a pale, sandy field, framed by a decorative woven border in muted blues and browns.

Technique & Style

Kan'ei renders each specimen with meticulous attention to anatomical detail, emphasizing the delicate structure of legs and antennae. The brushwork is fine and controlled, producing a calm, almost scientific observation of the insects against a smooth, lightly textured background.

Context

Nishiyama Kan'ei was known for his naturalistic studies of flora and fauna, reflecting a broader Japanese interest in documenting the natural environment during a time of increasing Western influence. This work exemplifies his focus on precise observation within a restrained aesthetic framework.