from the series Cutout Pictures of Famous Places in Edo (Edo meisho harimaze zue) c. 20th century

Editor: This print by Utagawa Hiroshige is from the series *Cutout Pictures of Famous Places in Edo*. The composition feels so unique with the four scenes arranged together. What strikes you most about the visual construction of this work? Curator: The organization of these scenes is paramount. Notice how the artist uses line and color, predominantly shades of blue, to guide the eye. How do these individual scenes relate structurally, in your opinion? Editor: I see some repetition of vertical lines and shapes. The tower mirrors the plum blossom branches, perhaps? It's very subtle. Curator: Precisely. Hiroshige uses repetition and variation to create visual harmony, tying together disparate scenes into a cohesive whole. This interplay elevates the work beyond mere representation. Editor: It's interesting how the formal elements create those connections. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: Indeed. A closer look reveals the sophisticated visual language at play.