Maruyama Ōkyo 円山応挙

Maruyama Ōkyo, a Japanese painter born in 1733 and deceased in 1795, was a pivotal figure in the development of the Maruyama-Shijō school of painting. He is renowned for his innovative approach that combined Western realism with traditional Japanese techniques, significantly influencing the trajectory of Japanese art. Ōkyo's work is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and lifelike representation, which marked a departure from the more stylized forms prevalent in the Edo period. His notable achievements include the creation of large-scale screen paintings and scrolls that depicted natural subjects with unprecedented realism. Throughout his career, Ōkyo trained numerous disciples, thereby ensuring the continuation and evolution of his artistic style. His contributions have left a lasting legacy on Japanese art, bridging the gap between traditional and modern artistic expressions.