Reclining Bull c. 1830s

Mihata Jôryû's "Reclining Bull" (c. 1830s) is a captivating depiction of a black bull in a reclining pose. The artist, who lived a short but productive life from 1830 to 1844, masterfully captures the animal's powerful presence with stark contrasts of light and dark. The bull, rendered in shades of black against a beige background, is tethered with a rope around its neck, a detail that adds a sense of restraint to its powerful form. This painting, housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, exemplifies the artist's skill in portraying animals with a blend of realism and expressiveness.