Scene from Classical Literature c. 18th century

This woodblock print, "Scene from Classical Literature," was created by Nishikawa Sukenobu in the early 18th century, a time when Japan's artistic and cultural landscape was blossoming. Sukenobu was a master of depicting daily life, particularly known for his sensitive portrayals of women. Here, we see a scene likely drawn from classical literature. A nobleman on horseback is attended by a servant, while behind a screen, two women are partially concealed. The nobleman is presented as a figure of power, while the women remain behind a screen. The image is charged with tension. Questions of gender, status, and visibility are embedded in this one small scene. Sukenobu both adheres to and gently subverts the traditions of his time. Through this image we are invited to consider not just what is shown, but also what is hidden. It captures a fleeting moment, inviting us to reflect on the complex social dynamics within the world it depicts.