Actor Nakamura DenkÅ«rō 2nd AS A FISHERMAN 

Curator: This woodblock print, currently held in the Harvard Art Museums, is titled "Actor Nakamura Denkuro II as a Fisherman," created by Katsukawa Shun'ei, who lived from 1762 to 1819. Editor: The dynamic pose immediately grabs my attention. There's a potent blend of awkwardness and determination in the actor's stance, and the stark red of the pole is startling. Curator: Shun'ei was known for his portraits of Kabuki actors, capturing them not just as individuals, but also within the roles they played on stage. Here, we see Nakamura embodying a fisherman. Editor: The fisherman is a complex symbol in Japanese culture, representing self-reliance, simplicity, and a deep connection to nature. But here, the actor's exaggerated features and theatrical makeup add another layer. Curator: Absolutely. The print bridges the gap between performance and the public's perception of these celebrated figures, blurring the lines between reality and spectacle. What do you think of this depiction? Editor: Ultimately, the image becomes a meditation on identity and role-playing, something that resonates across time. Curator: Indeed, Shun'ei provides a window into the celebrity culture of his time, offering commentary on the construction of public image.