Oda Nobunaga 1880

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi's woodblock print presents us with a dramatic vision of Oda Nobunaga amidst fiery chaos. The composition is immediately striking, as the artist utilizes a dynamic arrangement of shapes and lines to convey a sense of urgency. Oda is depicted drawing a bow, surrounded by flames. Note the color: the intense reds and oranges of the fire contrast sharply with the cool blues of Oda's clothing, creating a visual tension that reflects the tumultuous scene. Yoshitoshi masterfully uses the medium to its full potential: The flat planes of color and bold outlines are characteristic of the Ukiyo-e style. The absence of traditional perspective flattens the space. This emphasizes the symbolic nature of the imagery over naturalistic representation. The formal qualities of the print—its lines, colors, and composition—work together to create a compelling image of power and destruction.