Woman with Baby on Her Back

Hokusai School

Created:
Movement:
1868
None
key Notes:
Edo-period genre scene, maternal intimacy
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Dimensions:
9 7/8 x 13 in. (25.1 x 33 cm)
medium:
Unmounted painting; ink on paper
story of the work:

"Woman with Baby on Her Back" is a woodblock print attributed to the Hokusai School, created in the 19th century during the Edo period in Japan. The work reflects the ukiyo-e genre, which often depicted scenes of everyday life, landscapes, and beautiful women. The artist's identity within the Hokusai School is not definitively known, as many works from this period were produced by multiple artists under a single master. The print showcases the traditional practice of carrying infants on the back, a common sight in Japanese culture. The composition emphasizes the strength and resilience of women, as well as their nurturing roles within the family. The use of color and line in the print is characteristic of the ukiyo-e style, highlighting the aesthetic values of the time. The exact date of creation and the specific context of the artwork remain unknown.

Description of the work:

"Woman with Baby on Her Back" is an unmounted painting executed in ink on paper by the Hokusai School in the 19th century. The composition features a woman depicted in profile, carrying a child securely on her back, a common motif in Japanese art that reflects maternal themes. The figure is rendered with fluid lines and a sense of movement, emphasizing the woman's posture and the weight of the child. The use of ink allows for a range of tonal variations, creating depth and texture in the clothing and hair. The background is minimal, focusing attention on the central figure and enhancing the intimate connection between mother and child. The overall aesthetic is characterized by a balance of simplicity and elegance, typical of the Hokusai School's approach to figure painting. The work exemplifies the cultural significance of motherhood in Japanese society during the period.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Woman with Baby on Her Back