Female Portrait 

Fujishima Takeji’s ‘Female Portrait’ is an example of Western-style painting, or *yoga*, as it developed in Japan during the Meiji and Taisho periods. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan experienced a surge of interest in Western art and culture as it sought to modernize and open itself to the world. *Yoga* artists like Fujishima blended Western techniques with Japanese aesthetics, creating a unique visual language. What strikes me most about this painting is how the artist renders his sitter with a gaze cast slightly downward. There is a quiet intimacy to the piece, with the sitter seemingly caught in a moment of contemplation. The artwork departs from traditional depictions of women, which often emphasized idealized beauty and passivity. Instead, Fujishima’s portrait captures a sense of inwardness and self-awareness. Though this piece exemplifies the cultural exchange and artistic innovation characteristic of the era, I can’t help but wonder about the sitter whose name remains unknown to us. Her story, like those of many women from this period, remains hidden beneath the surface.