Utagawa Hiroshige

Place: Edo (Tokyo)

Born: 1797

Death: 1858

Biography:

Biography of a Japanese Art Icon

, a renowned Japanese ukiyo-e artist, lived from 1797 to 1858. He is widely regarded as the last great master of this traditional genre. Hiroshige's work is characterized by its poetic and ambient approach, which sets it apart from the bolder, more formal prints of his contemporaries.

Artistic Style and Techniques

Hiroshige's use of color was subtle yet essential to his prints. He often employed multiple impressions in the same area, utilizing the technique of bokashi (color gradation), which was labor-intensive but resulted in a unique visual effect. His most famous works include The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō and One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, both showcasing his mastery of landscape series.

Influence on Western Art

Hiroshige's work had a profound impact on Western art, particularly during the late 19th century Japonisme trend. Artists such as Édouard Manet and Claude Monet were influenced by Japanese prints, while Post-Impressionists like Vincent van Gogh collected and studied Hiroshige's compositions.

Legacy

Following Hiroshige's death in 1858, the ukiyo-e genre experienced a rapid decline due to westernization after the Meiji Restoration of 1868. However, his influence on Western art remains significant, with many artists continuing to draw inspiration from his works.

• The Ukiyo-e Art Movement - Learn more about the genre that defined Hiroshige's work.
• Ukiyo-e on Wikipedia - Explore the history and significance of ukiyo-e in Japanese art.
• Fuji Art Museum Japan - Discover a renowned museum showcasing both Japanese and Western art, including works inspired by Hiroshige's style.

* The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō * One Hundred Famous Views of Edo * Influence on Vincent van Gogh's Japonaiserie series, including Japonaiserie Flowering Plum Tree after Hiroshige Key Dates: * 1797: Born in Japan * 1858: Passed away, marking the beginning of a rapid decline in the ukiyo-e genre