France 1861

This woodblock print, *France*, by Utagawa Yoshikazu depicts a Western woman playing a cello and a man standing behind her. The woman's clothing and the cello are a clear indication of Western influence on Japanese culture during the mid-19th century. Created in 1861, it represents a pivotal moment in Japanese history, known as the Bakumatsu period, where the country was experiencing a period of rapid modernization. Yoshikazu's *France* is a testament to the artist's fascination with the West, and is a fine example of the *ukiyo-e* style, characterized by bold colors and detailed imagery. It is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.