Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by Yokogawa Horitake in 1852.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Untitled

Yokogawa Horitake , 1852

Untitled is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Yokogawa Horitake. It dates from 1852 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1852, this woodblock print by Yokogawa Horitake is a portrait rendered in ink and color on paper. It resides in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The composition centers on a solitary male figure, rendered with precise lines and flat areas of color, characteristic of Edo-period printmaking traditions.

Subject & Meaning

The figure, dressed in contrasting black and white garments and wearing a dark hat, holds a sword at his side. His posture is still, suggesting composure or readiness. The Japanese characters on the wall and the red-framed object with avian motifs imply a domestic or scholarly setting, possibly referencing status, lineage, or literary culture of the time.

Technique & Style

The print employs the ukiyo-e woodblock method, with bold outlines and limited, flat color fields. The background’s blue wash and the decorative frame contrast subtly with the figure’s monochrome attire. The rendering of texture is minimal, emphasizing form over detail, aligning with conventions of mid-19th century Japanese print design.

History & Provenance

The work was produced during the late Edo period, a time when woodblock prints flourished as affordable art for urban audiences. It entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection through documented acquisition, though its earlier ownership history remains unrecorded in public archives.

Context

The imagery reflects the visual language of samurai portraiture common in prints by artists like Utagawa Kuniyoshi, though Horitake’s approach is more restrained. The inclusion of calligraphy and symbolic objects situates the subject within a literate, elite milieu, where identity was often expressed through attire and emblematic items.

Legacy

As a work by a lesser-known artist, it contributes to the broader understanding of regional print production beyond the most celebrated ukiyo-e masters. Its preservation allows study of stylistic variations within Edo-period portraiture and the dissemination of visual codes across social classes.