Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Yokogawa Horitake in 1825.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Untitled

Yokogawa Horitake , 1825

Untitled is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Yokogawa Horitake. It dates from 1825 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This woodblock print, dated 1825, is attributed to Yokogawa Horitake and belongs to the ukiyo-e tradition. Executed in ink and color on paper, it presents a seated male figure against a minimalist background. The work is part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is cataloged as an example of early 19th-century Japanese printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is a bald man seated in a contemplative pose, dressed in a dark blue robe with black edging and a patterned sash over a lighter undergarment. His hands rest calmly on his knees, suggesting stillness or introspection. The absence of contextual details and the plain background focus attention on the individual, possibly representing a scholar, monk, or member of the literati class.

Technique & Style

The print employs flat areas of color and strong, clean outlines characteristic of ukiyo-e. The artist used woodblock carving to achieve precise forms, with minimal shading and no perspective. The edges of the paper are inscribed with dense black ink text, a common feature in some prints of the period, possibly indicating provenance, poetic commentary, or publisher’s mark.

History & Provenance

Created in 1825, the print entered the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art through documented acquisition. While little is known about its early ownership, its preservation suggests it was valued within collector circles. The attribution to Yokogawa Horitake aligns with stylistic traits observed in other works from his known oeuvre during the late Edo period.

Context

This work emerged during a time when woodblock prints flourished as affordable art for urban audiences. Artists like Utagawa Toyokuni II produced similar portraits of individuals, often emphasizing posture and attire to convey status or character. The use of bold outlines and unmodulated color reflects the aesthetic priorities of the ukiyo-e school, distinct from Western naturalism.

Legacy

Though not widely exhibited, the print contributes to the understanding of non-portrait-focused ukiyo-e subjects. It illustrates how everyday or anonymous figures were rendered with dignity through standardized techniques. Its inclusion in major collections underscores its role as a representative example of Edo-period printmaking beyond celebrity imagery.