Erotische voorstelling c. 1680 - 1698

This erotic print by Sugimura Jihei, housed here at the Rijksmuseum, is made with ink on paper. The composition immediately draws you in with its intricate linework, capturing a moment of intense intimacy between two figures. The limited tonal range focuses our attention on the dynamic interplay of form and space. The figures are intertwined, their bodies forming a complex pattern of curves and angles, with the bold outlines defining shapes and volume. Notice how the artist uses negative space to enhance the sense of depth and compression. The adjacent folding screen serves to frame and flatten the image. This print functions as a sign within a broader cultural discourse, inviting viewers to contemplate the boundaries of representation, desire, and social norms. This work destabilizes conventional notions of beauty and propriety, challenging the viewer to confront their own preconceptions. As such, the image prompts us to consider the shifting nature of meaning and the ongoing dialogue between art and society.