Lovers in Art

Parting of Lovers:
Courtesan and Her Lover

 

Kitagawa Utamoro (1753 - 1806)

Japan, c. 1800

Polychrome woodblock print; ink and colour on paper

H. 14 3/4in. (37.5cm); W. 10in. (25.4cm)

Prints

Rogers Fund, 1919

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Utamoro Kitagawa is greatly acknowledged as the dominating ukiyo - e artist of the late eighteenth century. Since 1791, the women in his artworks were from the 'pleasure - district' Yoshiwara. 

 

• In this artwork one can observe how artist Kitagawa Utamaro focuses on the sensuality and eroticism of the lovers openly.

 

• The courtesan is portrayed undressed, with her breast and thigh exposed.

 

• Her dress is rumpled at the cross of her thighs, which further adds a sensual air to the scene.

 

• The man's elongated face, the courtesan's unkempt hair, and their pale skin enhance the erotic mood.

 

• The couple's seemingly fixed poses, which is emphasized by the way they look at and touch each other, makes it appear as if they are acting out a scene in a play.