Russian Flagship Destroyed by Japanese Torpedo Meiji period,

Curator: This print by Yasuda Hanpo, "Russian Flagship Destroyed by Japanese Torpedo," renders a naval victory with surprising calm. What do you make of it? Editor: It's quite somber for a depiction of triumph. The muted blues and greens create a sense of melancholy, almost like a marine graveyard. Curator: Indeed. This work likely taps into the broader Russo-Japanese War zeitgeist, reflecting Japan's rise as a military power while subtly addressing the human cost. The almost ghostly depiction of the ships… Editor: Yes, they’re like spectral reminders amidst the seaweed. It makes me wonder how art functions as propaganda—or perhaps, as an understated critique. Curator: A powerful thought! It makes one consider the complexities of national pride and the artistic choices that shape collective memory. Editor: Precisely, it's a fascinating look at how victory can be portrayed with such haunting restraint.