Monkeys: Mother and Two Children

Created:
Movement:
unknown
None
key Notes:
Intimate maternal bond; Naturalistic depiction of wildlife.
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Dimensions:
medium:
Ink and color on paper
Difficulty:
Master
New game
story of the work:

"Monkeys: Mother and Two Children" by Mori Sosen (1747–1821) exemplifies the artist's mastery in depicting animals with a blend of realism and expressive detail, reflecting the Edo period's fascination with nature and wildlife. Sosen, a prominent figure in the Nanga (Southern School) style, utilized ink and color on paper to convey the intimate familial bond among the monkeys, which resonated with contemporary audiences and contributed to the genre's popularity in Japanese art.

Description of the work:

"Monkeys: Mother and Two Children" by Mori Sosen (1747–1821) is an ink and color on paper painting that exemplifies the artist's mastery of the traditional Japanese style of sumi-e. The composition features a mother monkey tenderly interacting with her two offspring, rendered with delicate brushwork and a nuanced palette that captures the textures of their fur and the natural environment, emphasizing both the emotional bond and the intricate details of their forms.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Harvard Art Museum

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Monkeys: Mother and Two Children