Swallows by a Waterfall 1877 - 1897

Kawanabe Kyōsai made this painting of swallows by a waterfall in Japan, during the late 19th century, using ink and color on silk. As we consider this picture, it's worth knowing that Kyōsai began his career at the age of seven at the Kano school, which was an institution that, for many years, held a privileged position in the Japanese art world. But Kyōsai broke free from the Kano school's formal conventions, becoming an independent artist who drew on a wider range of influences, including Western art. The swallows are represented with a naturalism that would have been unconventional in earlier Japanese art, suggesting the beginnings of modernization. This turn to realism might be interpreted as a subtle commentary on the social structures of the time, a move away from traditional, institutional styles, and towards a more direct engagement with the world. Art history helps us to contextualize artworks like this, using diverse sources that can range from archival documents and institutional records, to the artist's letters and the writings of contemporary critics. These resources give us insight into the fascinating story behind the image.