Man en vrouw in innige omarming 1815 - 1823

This is Katsushika Hokusai's woodblock print "Man en vrouw in innige omarming" (Man and woman in a close embrace). It’s a small, intimate scene now held at the Rijksmuseum. Hokusai lived through a time of social and economic change in Japan, which influenced his varied artistic output. Here, he explores themes of love and sexuality, areas often governed by social norms. The figures are entwined, their bodies and garments creating a complex pattern of intimacy. The woman's visible pubic hair and the man's body are depicted without idealization. This frankness could be seen as a challenge to traditional representations, or perhaps as an honest observation of human connection. Hokusai, who lived through personal trials, including poverty and the loss of loved ones, may have been interested in the emotional rawness of human relationships. Consider how the artwork invites you into a private moment, making you reflect on the interplay between personal feelings and societal expectations of love.