Memorial Monument for Utagawa Hiroshige II 1882

This woodblock print, “Memorial Monument for Utagawa Hiroshige II,” was created in 1882 by the artist Utagawa Hiroshige III, a member of the renowned Utagawa school of Japanese art. The print depicts a figure seated in front of a large, imposing stone monument, adorned with Japanese calligraphy. It is a poignant tribute to Hiroshige II, a famous artist who died in 1868, and it highlights the tradition of memorial art that was prevalent in 19th-century Japan. The print's composition, featuring a single, solitary figure against a minimalist backdrop, creates a sense of reverence and solemnity. The simplified lines and subtle tonal contrasts are characteristic of Hiroshige III's artistic style, known for its elegance and restraint. This print, currently housed at The Art Institute of Chicago, offers a unique glimpse into the artistic practices and cultural values of late Edo period Japan.