Vertrekkende gasten 1804

"Vertrekkende Gasten" (Departing Guests) is a woodblock print by the renowned Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro, created in 1804. This striking artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, depicts a scene of farewell at a traditional Japanese house. Utamaro's signature detailed style is evident in the intricate depiction of the clothing, the architecture, and the subtle expressions of the figures. The scene is a poignant representation of the transient nature of human relationships and the bittersweet emotions associated with parting. This print is a quintessential example of Utamaro's mastery of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art depicting scenes of everyday life.