['Actor Bandô Mitsugorô V and narcissus', 'Contemporary matches for 36 flowers'] 1862 - 1864

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada depicts actor Bandô Mitsugorô V, likely created in the 19th century. Dominant blues and greens provide a cool backdrop, against which the figure of the actor is sharply defined. The composition is carefully arranged, balancing the actor's dynamic pose with the static text and floral elements. Kunisada masterfully uses lines to create a sense of movement and depth, especially in the actor's garments. The subtle gradations of color and texture enhance the visual interest. This contrasts with the flat, graphic quality of the text and floral arrangements. Through this interplay, Kunisada challenges traditional notions of representation by flattening pictorial space. The artwork destabilizes conventional categories by blending portraiture with theatrical and floral elements. It is a meditation on artifice, performance and visual culture. This print invites us to reconsider our understanding of image-making and the way art engages with its cultural milieu.