Nakamura Shikan IV as the Fishmonger Aratota 1841

This woodblock print depicts Nakamura Shikan IV as the fishmonger Aratota and was created by Hasegawa Sadamasu in 1830-1849. Note how the artist uses flat planes of colour and intricate patterns to create depth and interest. The composition divides neatly into distinct zones: the neutral background, the green field below, and the figure of Nakamura Shikan IV dominating the space. The face is rendered with a smooth, almost mask-like quality. The detailed patterns on the robe create a visual tension with the simplicity of the face, drawing our eye to the semiotic interplay between identity and representation. Sadamasu employs a structural approach, using line and colour to construct an image that destabilises traditional portraiture. The print invites us to consider how meaning is produced through visual elements and cultural codes. This artwork isn't just a portrait; it's a commentary on the role of the actor and the constructed nature of identity.