Twee Engelsen met paard en vlag 1861

Editor: This woodblock print, “Twee Engelsen met paard en vlag”, made in 1861 by Utagawa Yoshitora and housed in the Rijksmuseum, strikes me as both humorous and a little awkward. The proportions seem deliberately exaggerated, particularly in the figures' facial features. What's your interpretation? Curator: It's a great observation! Yoshitora created this during a period of increasing interaction—and tension—between Japan and the West. As Japan opened up, prints like these, called Yokohama-e, offered a window into how Japanese artists and society viewed these newcomers. Notice how the artist emphasizes certain Western characteristics? The high noses, the elaborate military attire, and even the flag itself. Editor: So, it's not just a simple portrait but almost a commentary? Curator: Exactly! Think about the social and political context. Japan had been relatively isolated for centuries. Suddenly, these foreigners arrive, representing a different culture and, perhaps, a threat to Japanese sovereignty. The caricature allows for a kind of visual critique, a way of processing the unfamiliar and potentially unsettling presence of the West. How does it make you feel knowing that context? Editor: That shifts my perspective completely. I see the humor, but also a subtle underlying commentary about cultural power and identity. It feels less like a straightforward depiction and more like a nuanced form of resistance. Curator: Precisely. These prints offer a fascinating look into a complex historical moment, showcasing how art can serve as both documentation and social critique. And remember to also explore how such artistic responses can evolve. Editor: Thanks, that context really unlocks a whole new way of seeing the work.