Street scenes newly pubished 

Katsushika Hokusai created this woodblock print, titled 'Street Scenes Newly Published', in Japan, most likely during the first half of the 19th century. The image captures a moment of daily life, but its significance lies in what it tells us about the social and economic structures of Edo-period Japan. The figures represent various social classes, from the merchant with his wares to what looks like a samurai on horseback. Hokusai’s style is rooted in 'ukiyo-e', or "pictures of the floating world," a genre that often depicted the pleasures of urban life. Yet, here he turns his eye to the everyday, capturing the bustling energy of the streets. The print suggests a society in transition, where traditional hierarchies were being challenged by emerging commercial forces. To understand this work better, we can look at the history of woodblock printing, the role of the artist in Japanese society, and the changing social dynamics of the Edo period. By doing so, we can see how art reflects and shapes the world around it.