Lovers under an Umbrella in the Snow c. 1767 - 1768

Curator: Here we have "Lovers under an Umbrella in the Snow," a woodblock print by Suzuki Harunobu, dating to around 1767-1768. Editor: Mmm, dreamy. I love the way the falling snow is suggested more than shown, like winter's secret. It’s subtle, a quiet moment shared. Curator: Precisely. This work is an exemplary representation of ukiyo-e, capturing a fleeting moment in everyday life. Consider the social dynamics at play—a samurai, easily identifiable by his sword, sharing an umbrella with a woman in the snow. What could this signify about the relaxed attitudes toward social mobility during the Edo period? Editor: Social mobility or simply...a chance encounter? Maybe they’re old flames, you know, dodging snowflakes and awkward questions. Look at the almost ghostly pallor of their skin against the darker tones; they look like they are lost in thought. Curator: It's possible, of course. But the samurai's presence inherently introduces the themes of class, obligation, and even perhaps forbidden love—all pervasive themes within the ukiyo-e tradition. Notice the woman’s obscured face. To what extent does that reflect the limited visibility and agency afforded to women? Editor: Hmm, limited visibility literally, sure. But she could also be completely comfortable and in control. Sometimes a girl just wants a quiet walk in the snow, shielded from the gaze. The beauty lies in what isn't said, don't you think? That delicate balance of mystery. It makes you want to write poetry about it, really. Curator: Ukiyo-e prints also democratized art; making these images widely available fostered a sense of shared identity. To what degree did these artworks enable a broader discourse surrounding social issues? Editor: Democratized... perhaps. Or perhaps people just saw pretty colors and imagined stories. That's democratizing, too, isn't it? Curator: A fine distinction. It all connects us, doesn’t it? Editor: Makes you want to find someone to share your umbrella with.