3 MEN FIGHTING ON VERANDA 

Curator: This woodblock print, attributed to Katsukawa Shun'ei, depicts three men fighting on a veranda. Its small scale belies the chaotic energy within. Editor: It’s quite arresting, isn’t it? The angular lines and stark color contrasts give it a sense of raw, immediate conflict. Curator: Consider how the social status of these warriors in late 18th-century Japan would dictate the reception of this imager—likely as a form of entertainment or moral instruction. Editor: I’m struck by the compositional balance achieved despite the violence. The dynamic poses of the figures create a visual rhythm, a structured dance of aggression. Curator: Indeed. Shun'ei's understanding of ukiyo-e traditions allowed him to engage with the popular culture, offering a glimpse into the complex social dynamics of his time. Editor: Looking closely, the artist uses a deliberate economy of line. The visual impact is considerable, distilling a narrative into its most elemental forms. Curator: Absolutely, and thinking about this artwork's journey through various collections—ending up here at Harvard—invites us to consider its enduring relevance. Editor: It’s a powerful reminder that even within rigid formalism, human drama finds a way to erupt.