Poetess Ono-no-Komachi c. mid 17th century

Kiyohara Yukinobu painted this image of Poetess Ono-no-Komachi, with ink and color on paper. Komachi, a woman of renowned beauty, is here depicted seated and dressed in lavish robes, with a mournful expression that reflects her later life of destitution. This melancholic pose, of a once-powerful figure now in decline, bears a striking resemblance to depictions of the fallen Roman emperors in Renaissance art. Consider the image of the defeated Emperor Nero, often shown with a similar despondent posture. The image is a symbol of moral decay, a once-great empire now vanquished, reappearing in various contexts throughout history. This idea continues to resurface, as collective memory and subconscious processes affect art production and interpretation. Yukinobu, in her portrayal of Komachi, taps into a universal sense of loss. Just as the image of Nero evokes thoughts of the transient nature of power, Komachi reminds us that beauty and status are fleeting. This resonates deeply, a subtle reminder of our shared human condition, as these symbols reappear, evolve, and take on new meanings across history.