Egrets at the Water's Edge 1877 - 1897

"Egrets at the Water's Edge" is a delicate and atmospheric work by Japanese artist Watanabe Seitei. The painting, which dates from 1877-1897, depicts two egrets standing on a small rock in a shallow pool of water. Seitei's use of light, airy brushstrokes and washes of color gives the scene a sense of tranquility and serenity. The egrets are rendered with a sense of realism, while the background, composed of soft washes of grey, evokes a sense of misty atmosphere. This captivating work, now in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Seitei’s mastery of the Japanese painting tradition.