Actors Ichikawa DanjÅ«rō 2nd and Matsumoto Koshirō c. 1720s

Curator: What strikes me immediately about this print is the sheer dynamism of the composition. Editor: Indeed. The Harvard Art Museums hold this woodblock print by Torii Kiyonobu II, depicting actors Ichikawa Danjuro II and Matsumoto Koshiro. It presents them in a theatrical scene that's charged with meaning. Curator: Absolutely. The way Matsumoto Koshiro is positioned beneath Ichikawa Danjuro, bearing the weight of what appears to be a Go board, speaks volumes about power dynamics and burdens. It makes me think about representations of labor, class and even masochism in theater. Editor: That's astute. The positioning of the actors, their costumes, and props were crucial elements in constructing narratives for the audience. Curator: The exaggerated facial expressions also invite readings around gender and performance. How do we understand these dramatizations in relation to ideas of masculinity and visibility? Editor: It's fascinating how one image can open up so many avenues for exploration. Curator: Precisely; it’s a testament to art’s power to reflect and challenge societal norms. Editor: A potent reminder of the layers of meaning embedded in historical imagery.