MAN IN ARMOR 

Editor: This woodblock print, "Man in Armor" by Katsukawa Shun'ei, features a figure in elaborate garb. He looks so stern. What can you tell me about the role of figures like this in art of this period? Curator: The figure represents an actor in character. Consider how woodblock prints like these served as publicity for Kabuki theater, democratizing access to the arts and immortalizing popular performers. How does this context shift your understanding? Editor: It makes me think about celebrity culture, and how it hasn't changed that much. Curator: Precisely! And notice how the artist uses line and color to convey not just the actor's appearance, but also the cultural values associated with his role. Editor: It's like the print is performing its own kind of role, mediating between the stage and the public. Curator: Exactly. Art becomes a cultural artifact, reflecting and shaping societal views. A fascinating connection to consider!