The Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō III in the Role of Shimada Jūzaburō, from the series "Image of Actors on Stage" 1785 - 1805

Editor: So, this is *The Actor Sawamura Sōjūrō III in the Role of Shimada Jūzaburō, from the series "Image of Actors on Stage"*, a woodblock print by Utagawa Toyokuni I, created sometime between 1785 and 1805. It’s currently at the Met. The figure looks so intense. Almost… theatrical, in a very dramatic way! What do you make of it? Curator: Theatrical indeed! It's like the artist has captured a fleeting moment on stage, amplified it, and pinned it down for eternity with the stroke of a woodblock. Look at the stylized pose, the tense expression. I see a tension that borders on comical… Have you ever felt like you were acting, like *really* acting, a version of yourself rather than simply being yourself? It feels similar. Editor: Absolutely! It reminds me of when you’re trying to act cool, but you know you’re failing miserably. So, this over-the-top drama was intentional? Curator: Oh, entirely. Utagawa Toyokuni was a master of *ukiyo-e*, these "pictures of the floating world." And the floating world, darling, was all about pleasure, entertainment, and, let’s be honest, a good dose of escapism. This print immortalizes a celebrated Kabuki actor in a famous role. This wasn't about capturing reality, but creating an ideal, an amplified emotion. The colors practically vibrate, don't they? Editor: They do! And the robe, it's mesmerizing! It gives me a different perspective on art. It is less about reflecting reality, and more about exaggerating feelings and emotion! Curator: Precisely. Isn't it fabulous when a piece makes you re-evaluate how you look at the world? Editor: It really is. Thanks!