Russian Officer with His Wife 1861

Utagawa Yoshiiku's "Russian Officer with His Wife" (1861) is a captivating example of ukiyo-e, the popular art of Edo-period Japan. The work depicts a Russian officer in full uniform, his wife standing beside him, both in Western attire. The officer is adorned with a sash and medal, while his wife wears a layered gown and a bonnet. The detailed rendering of their clothing reflects the artist's interest in Western fashion, a common theme in ukiyo-e during the opening of Japan to the West. The image is both a portrayal of a specific moment in history and a commentary on the changing cultural landscape of Japan in the 19th century.