A Police Patrol Preventing a Rape in a Graveyard 1875

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's woodblock print presents a dramatic scene of rescue and potential violence, framed within the eerie setting of a graveyard. Dominant blues and grays evoke a nocturnal atmosphere, emphasizing the sharp contrast between the potential victim's colourful kimono and the stark surroundings. Yoshitoshi masterfully uses diagonal lines—from the policeman's stance to the victim's posture—to create a dynamic composition, directing our gaze and instilling a sense of urgency. The lantern held by the officer not only illuminates the scene but also symbolizes a beacon of hope amid societal darkness. The choice of a graveyard setting subverts traditional notions of peace, revealing a space of vulnerability and transgression. Yoshitoshi uses the setting and characters to comment on social issues and the precariousness of safety. The artist challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable realities, disrupting any complacent understanding of morality. The print prompts us to reflect on the societal structures that allow violence to occur and the role of intervention.