Untitled

Untitled

Utagawa Masanobu

4

ink

From the collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art

About this work

This print is packed with action—horses rearing, riders tumbling, and a tiger leaping from a cage. On the right, an elephant stands tall while people in striped clothes (maybe clowns?) juggle or ride tiny ponies. Bright reds and blues pop against a green background, and there’s a mix of fancy hats and work boots. The scene looks like a chaotic circus or traveling show, with people watching from the sides. The artist used bold colors and simple shapes to keep the energy moving. Next, check out circus performances in old prints—this one’s full of them.

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