Woman and Child 1803

"Woman and Child" is a woodblock print from 1803 by the renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro. This piece, now housed at the Brooklyn Museum, is a prime example of Utamaro’s signature style, known for its delicate lines, subtle gradations of color, and focus on female beauty. The print portrays a woman carrying a child on her back, highlighting the intimate bond between mother and child. The composition is elegant and dynamic, with the woman’s flowing kimono creating a graceful curve against the background. Utamaro's works, often depicting the lives of courtesans and other women of Edo, are celebrated for their emotional depth and evocative portrayal of Japanese beauty.