Geese Flying across Full Moon c. 1835

Utagawa Hiroshige’s woodblock print, "Geese Flying across Full Moon," captures a serene moment in the natural world. Hiroshige lived during Japan’s Edo period, a time marked by relative peace and the flourishing of arts and culture. These prints were made accessible to a wide audience, reflecting a shift in social values and expanding notions of who art was for. Hiroshige was a master of *ukiyo-e*, or "pictures of the floating world," often depicting landscapes and scenes of everyday life. Notice how the geese are captured in mid-flight against the backdrop of a luminous full moon. This image evokes a sense of fleeting beauty and the transience of life, themes deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy. What is also relevant is the emotional connection viewers have with nature. Hiroshige’s prints often served as a means of connecting urban dwellers with the natural world, offering a sense of solace and escape from the bustling city life of Edo, now Tokyo. This artwork isn't just a visual representation; it's an invitation to contemplate our place within the larger cosmos.