Nakamura Utaemon III in de rol van Yojiro 1812 - 1816

Editor: Here we have Utagawa Kunisada’s woodblock print, "Nakamura Utaemon III in de rol van Yojiro," made sometime between 1812 and 1816. The distorted features of the subject definitely grab your attention, especially how his gaze is directed upwards and off to the side. What do you make of it? Curator: Indeed. Focus on the deliberate distortion of form – the elongation of the face, the bulging eyes, and the seemingly tense mouth. These distortions don’t merely represent the actor; rather, they construct a visual language. Consider the surface of the print, its texture achieved through woodblock. How do these formal elements work together to create the impact? Editor: So you're suggesting that the way he manipulates the proportions creates meaning, almost like a commentary? And what about the robe he’s wearing – does the star-like pattern add to that language? Curator: Precisely. The relationship between the exaggerated features and the flatness inherent in the Ukiyo-e style, combined with the repeated star motif of his robe, builds layers of meaning. Does the application of watercolor strike you as relevant to the expression of the piece? Editor: It definitely softens the caricature a bit, it isn't as severe as a stark black and white image may have been. Thanks, I never would have thought about the color's impact on the caricature this way. Curator: The true measure lies not just in recognising the elements, but in understanding how they converse and form an artistic declaration.