In the late 1800's, artists in Europe were exposed to artworks from Japan. The technical and stylistic approaches were fresh and innovative in the eyes of Western artists. They adopted a number of artistic features for their own work, which was also influenced by shifts in cultural values and an emerging revolutionary spirit; most broadly described as a rejection of the past.
The result was a new art -- or, Art Nouveau. We will look at Art Nouveau closely in the next presentation. But, first, let's explore the source of so much inspiration and innovation: Japanese Ukiyo-e.
- Trade with the Far East had blossomed in the 1800’s.
- From the 1600’s to the mid-1800’s, Japan held isolationist policies, as decreed by shogun.
- For nearly 200 years, they traded only with China and the Dutch (with some exceptions).
- In their seclusion, they were able to develop a unique national art.
In 1854, American commodore Matthew C. Perry basically bullied the Japanese into opening up trade with a fleet of American warships.
The art of this period was called Ukiyo-e, which means "floating world".
The works were created as screen prints or woodcuts, using techniques and aesthetic principles developed over many centuries.
Significant artists were: Moronobu, Utamaro, Hokusai and Hiroshige.
How are these images different from the artwork being created in Europe?
Let's compare. What's different in the depiction of the woman on the left (by John Singer Sargent) and the woman on the right (by Utamaro)?
"The Great Wave" (actually called "The Great Wave of Kanagawa") is probably the most famous Ukiyo-e image. Let's learn more about it and its creator, Hokusai.
Check out this interactive article in the New York Times! I will post a related assignment.