Artwork
Wren and Chrysanthemums
Wren and Chrysanthemums is a print by the Romanticist artist Utagawa Hiroshige. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1921.1277
- Credit line
- Gift from J. H. Wade
About this work
Overview
Wren and Chrysanthemums, a print from circa 1834, exemplifies Utagawa Hiroshige's divergence from ukiyo-e's traditional urban themes, instead highlighting serene natural beauty.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a small, alert wren nestled among vibrant chrysanthemum blossoms, emphasizing the tranquil beauty found in nature.
Technique & Style
Characterized by simple, clean lines and a restrained palette (notably pale blue, dark green, red, and bold yellow), the work showcases Hiroshige's refined compositional approach.
History & Provenance
Created by one of the last great ukiyo-e masters, known for series like The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō, the print's specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
Part of a broader shift in Hiroshige's oeuvre towards natural subjects, contrasting with the prevalent urban themes of contemporary ukiyo-e.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of Wren and Chrysanthemums are not outlined, it reflects Hiroshige's influence in nature-focused ukiyo-e, inviting comparison with his famed landscape series.
Artist & collection
Artist
Utagawa Hiroshige (歌川 広重) or Andō Hiroshige (安藤 広重), born Andō Tokutarō (安藤 徳太郎; 1797 – 12 October 1858), was a Japanese ukiyo-e artist, considered the last great master of that tradition.
