Drie paarden 1800

Kitagawa Utamaro created this print of three horses using woodblock printing, a technique which gained popularity in Japan's Edo period. Utamaro, known for his sensitive portrayals of women, here turns his attention to the natural world. The print embodies a spirit of freedom, reflecting the shifting social landscape of Japan at the time. Horses, traditionally symbols of wealth and military power, are presented here in a relaxed, almost playful manner. This reflects a move away from rigid social structures towards a celebration of individual expression. There's a tension between the traditional symbolism of the horse and the intimate, informal depiction. I wonder if Utamaro was thinking about how societal roles can either be imposed on us, or be challenged by us. This is a question we continue to ask ourselves today. This work suggests that even within the most established traditions, there's room for reinterpretation and change.