French Girl Walking a Dog Accompanied by a Siamese Servant 1860

This 1860 woodblock print, "French Girl Walking a Dog Accompanied by a Siamese Servant," by Utagawa Sadahide, depicts a Western woman in fashionable attire walking a dog with a Siamese servant by her side. This humorous scene highlights the Japanese fascination with foreign culture during the opening of Japan in the 19th century. Sadahide, a renowned artist of the Edo period, is famous for his detailed illustrations of people and their lives. His use of vibrant colors and lively compositions creates a visually engaging depiction of Japanese curiosity towards the West. The print is an excellent example of the "ukiyo-e" style, which often depicted scenes of everyday life and popular culture.