Utagawa Hiroshige Art that Impressed the Impressionists

Utagawa Hiroshige, an eminent figure in Japanese ukiyo-e art, left an indelible mark on the art world, particularly influencing French Impressionism. His work, characterized by striking depictions of 19th-century Japan, offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the Edo period’s daily life and natural beauty. This article delves into the profound impact of Hiroshige’s art on Western artists and explores the unique elements that define his legacy.

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Early Life and Training

Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) was born in Edo, now Tokyo, into a family of the samurai class. Despite his samurai status, Hiroshige chose the art path, studying under Utagawa Toyohiro, a master of the ukiyo-e tradition. Ukiyo-e, meaning “pictures of the floating world,” encompasses a style and genre that captures fleeting moments of beauty and pleasure, often imbued with a deeper spiritual significance.

The Ukiyo-e Technique

Hiroshige’s masterpieces were created using the intricate woodblock printing technique. This method involves carving designs into woodblocks, inking the raised surfaces, and pressing them onto paper to produce vivid, flat patterns. Hiroshige’s prints are renowned for their bold use of colour and lack of depth, giving them a distinctive, almost abstract quality.

Sensation in Paris

When Hiroshige’s works and other Japanese prints were exhibited in late-19th-century Paris, they captivated the French art scene. The vivid colours, unique compositions, and serene subjects offered a fresh perspective that profoundly influenced the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists.

Notable Admirers

Hiroshige’s prints inspired artists like Mary Cassatt, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. Cassatt was so enamoured with these works that she urged her friend Berthe Morisot to explore them. Monet and van Gogh avidly collected Japanese prints, integrating their aesthetics into their works. Camille Pissarro even hailed Hiroshige as a true Impressionist, a testament to the Japanese artist’s significant impact.

Tsukudajima from Eitai Bridge

One of the most celebrated prints in Hiroshige’s series “One Hundred Famous Views of Edo” is “Tsukudajima from Eitai Bridge” (1857). This piece is a study in blues, depicting fishing boats under a moonlit sky. The gradient from azure to inky black creates a moody, atmospheric effect, showcasing Hiroshige’s mastery of colour.

Dawn at Kanda Myojin Shrine

In “Dawn at Kanda Myojin Shrine” (1857), Hiroshige captures a serene morning scene with three shrine keepers gazing at a layered blue, green, peach, and crimson sky. This print exemplifies Hiroshige’s ability to convey tranquillity and the transient beauty of nature.

Moon-Viewing Point

“Moon-Viewing Point” is another standout work that offers a glimpse into the intimate, fleeting moments of Edo life. The print depicts a room illuminated by the harvest moon, with dishes hinting at a recent meal and a geisha visible in the corner. This composition demonstrates Hiroshige’s skill in suggesting narratives and emotions through subtle details.

The Enduring Legacy of Ukiyo-e

Ukiyo-e, the art form to which Hiroshige dedicated his life, flourished between the 17th and 19th centuries. Artists in this genre produced woodblock prints and paintings featuring diverse subjects, including female beauties, kabuki performers, sumo wrestlers, historical and folk tales, landscapes, flora and fauna, and erotica.

Hiroshige’s work continues to inspire artists and art lovers worldwide. His ability to capture the ephemeral beauty of life and nature resonates deeply, reminding us of the interconnectedness of art across cultures and time.

Conclusion

Utagawa Hiroshige’s art transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, influencing a generation of Western artists and shaping the course of modern art. His masterful use of colour, composition, and narrative continues to captivate and inspire, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in art history.

For those seeking to delve deeper into the world of ukiyo-e and its profound impact, exploring Hiroshige’s works offers an enriching journey through the floating world of Edo, Japan and beyond.