Actor Takaichi Take'emon c. 1845 - 1850

Curator: This woodblock print, currently held at the Harvard Art Museums, depicts the actor Takaichi Take'emon. It was created by Utagawa Hirosada, who lived from 1825 to 1875. Editor: Wow, that gaze! It's almost like he's staring right through me. There's something so intense and theatrical about it. Curator: Absolutely. In Japanese woodblock prints, the eyes are often crucial to conveying the character's essence. And the fan he holds, that is another subtle symbol. Editor: I see it, but to me, the patterned kimono and the dramatic black robes create such a striking contrast. It adds to the sense of performance and spectacle. Curator: It's a wonderful example of how symbols can enrich an image. The composition subtly alludes to themes of identity, role-playing, and even power. Editor: It makes me think of how we all wear masks, playing different parts in our lives. Curator: Exactly! It's a reminder of the enduring nature of human drama. Editor: That makes it more timeless than I first thought.