Poems on Portraits of the Famous and the Infamous 1700 - 1868

Utagawa Kunisada created this woodblock print titled “Poems on Portraits of the Famous and the Infamous” sometime in the 19th century. Woodblock prints like these were a popular art form in Japan, part of a larger cultural phenomenon known as Ukiyo-e, or "pictures of the floating world." This print depicts famous and infamous figures, with accompanying poems. In many ways it represents the values of Edo-period Japanese society, but it also reflects the shifting dynamics of the time. For example, the inclusion of both celebrated and notorious individuals suggests a broader cultural interest in fame and infamy. The poems add layers of interpretation, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human character and destiny. To fully understand prints like these, art historians often turn to contemporary literature, theater, and social commentary. By situating the artwork within its cultural context, we gain insight into its meaning and significance. This print serves as a window into the social values, artistic practices, and intellectual currents of 19th-century Japan.