The Fall of Fenghuangcheng: Putting the Enemy to Rout (Hōōjō kanraku tekihei kaisō zu) Possibly 1894

Curator: What strikes me first is the almost claustrophobic sense of forward motion despite the downpour—a real visual paradox. Editor: This is Mizuno Toshikata's, "The Fall of Fenghuangcheng: Putting the Enemy to Rout" from the Harvard Art Museums' collection. Toshikata, who lived from 1866 to 1908, captured a scene of intense military action. Curator: The figures are so tightly packed, almost bursting out of the frame. It's like a relentless wave, which I guess, given the subject matter, is the point. Editor: Indeed. Consider the context: images like this served a vital public function, shaping perceptions of military campaigns and national identity. The heroic depiction of soldiers in the face of adversity reinforced national pride. Curator: It makes me think of the propaganda machine, but somehow, the energy of the piece transcends that. There’s a raw, visceral quality. You feel the weight of the cannon and the urgency of the moment. Editor: And that's precisely where the tension lies—between the artist's skill and the socio-political forces at play. Ultimately, we are left to reconcile with how cultural narratives are constructed and disseminated through art. Curator: Well, that gives me a lot to ponder! Editor: Indeed, a testament to the enduring power of art to provoke thought and discussion.