Drawing of Man Resting on Axe and Carrying Part of Tree Trunk on His Back 

Katsushika Hokusai created this drawing with ink on paper, now held at the Brooklyn Museum. The stark contrast of the black ink against the muted background immediately captures the eye, delineating the figure of a man with sharp, economical lines. Note how the weight of the tree trunk borne on his back seems to compress his form, accentuating the palpable strain and fatigue. The axe, planted firmly, provides a visual counterpoint, anchoring the composition with its verticality. Consider how Hokusai uses line—thick in some areas, thin in others—to convey texture and depth. These choices destabilize any romantic notions of labour. The artist challenges us to consider the physical cost of such work, and the very human struggle embodied in this figure. Hokusai's drawing reminds us that art doesn't offer fixed meanings, but invites continuous interpretation.