TOKAIDO GOJU-SAN-TSUGI c. 19th century

Editor: This is Utagawa Hiroshige’s "Tokaido Goju-san-tsugi" from the Harvard Art Museums. The perspective is so interesting, looking down on the town and out to sea... It feels so calm, and makes me think about journeys. How do you interpret this work? Curator: It's funny you say "calm," because I see the anticipation before a journey! Hiroshige captures the essence of Edo-period travel, doesn't he? The boats hint at departure, the figures on the road suggest purpose. It’s like a visual haiku about the transience of life, wouldn't you agree? Editor: Definitely! I hadn't thought about it that way, but I see what you mean. Thanks for opening my eyes! Curator: Anytime. It's art that speaks volumes, isn't it? I love how it makes us reflect on movement, change, and even a little bit on ourselves.