Open full image Pin

Untitled

Utagawa Hirosada

1852

ink

From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Portrait Actor Portrait

Dominant colour

Untitled is a 1852 ink by Utagawa Hirosada, a Romanticism work, depicting Actor, held at Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Who painted this?: Utagawa Hirosada
When & what style?: 1852 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Metropolitan Museum of Art

About this work

This print shows four actors in bold, flat colors. Their faces are big and round, with strong lines and bright hair. Two wear traditional robes, one holds a fan, and another leans on a hand fan. The background is simple—just blocks of color and Japanese writing. The actors’ expressions are calm, almost serious, but their makeup looks dramatic. The prints are arranged in pairs, like a set of cards. Next, check out Utagawa Hirosada to see how he worked with woodblock prints.