from the series A Collection of Plays Old and New (Kokon Jōruri zukushi) c. 20th century

Editor: This print is by Utagawa Hiroshige, from a series called *A Collection of Plays Old and New*. It depicts two figures with Mount Fuji in the background. What do you see in terms of its formal structure? Curator: Note the careful balance in the composition. The strong vertical of the pine tree mirrors the figures, while the mountain provides a stable, triangular counterpoint. The artist utilizes color, notably the blues and reds, to guide the eye through the scene. Editor: The contrast between the geometric mountain and the organic tree is striking. Curator: Indeed. This contrast, combined with the interplay of color and line, creates a visually arresting image, don't you agree? I find myself drawn to the way the artist manipulates spatial relationships in this artwork. Editor: I agree. I've gained a new appreciation for how Hiroshige uses color and form to structure the viewer's experience.