Hideyoshi and His Troops Leaving Nagoya Camp (Mashiba Hideyoshi kō nagoya jin saki te no shoshō kuridashi no zu) 19th century

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi created this woodblock triptych, titled "Hideyoshi and His Troops Leaving Nagoya Camp," in 19th-century Japan. It depicts the departure of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's forces from Nagoya Castle, a key site during the late Sengoku period. The imagery offers a glimpse into the socio-political landscape of Meiji-era Japan, during which Yoshitoshi made this work. The detailed rendering of military regalia and the orderly procession reflect the emphasis on hierarchy, order, and martial prowess in Japanese society. The inclusion of the castle and the presence of onlookers underscore the importance of military campaigns and the central role of authority figures in public life. These visual cues provide insight into the values and power dynamics of the time. Historical records, military accounts, and studies of Japanese art and culture can help to contextualize this print further. Art like this allows us to examine the intricate web of social relations that shaped both the production and interpretation of art in the Meiji era.