De Jumantsubo vlakte te Susaki bij Fukagawa 1857

This woodblock print titled 'Jumantsubo Plain at Susaki near Fukagawa' was created by Utagawa Hiroshige. The scene is dominated by the presence of a large bird of prey swooping down toward the landscape. The composition, divided horizontally, creates a stark contrast between the dark blue sky and the lighter plain below. The bird is rendered with intricate detail, its feathers delineated with fine lines and subtle gradations of color. The landscape recedes into the distance, with stylized trees and buildings dotting the horizon. Mount Fuji appears as a small, serene presence in the background. The print employs a semiotic system where natural elements act as signs. The bird, with its sharp focus, disrupts the expected harmony of traditional landscapes. It encourages us to consider the relationship between nature, observation, and representation, challenging our understanding of space and perspective.