Utagawa Hiroshige, born in 1797 in Edo (now Tokyo), was one of the last great masters of the Japanese ukiyo-e art of woodcuts and painting. Known for his atmospheric landscape paintings that capture the beauty of Japan in its different seasons and weather conditions, Hiroshige has had a lasting influence on Western art. His works are characterized by exceptional depth, attention to detail and innovative composition that draws the viewer into the scene.
Hiroshige's career began in the fire department, but his artistic talent soon led him to art. He became a student of Utagawa Toyohiro, a respected master of the ukiyo-e art. After his teacher's death, Hiroshige took over his studio and began to develop his own style, characterized by a subtle use of color and light. His travels across Japan, particularly along the Tōkaidō Road, inspired some of his most famous series, depicting the country's everyday life and breathtaking landscapes.
Interesting fact:
Hiroshige was not only an artist, but also a firefighter. This unusual combination of professions shows the versatility of his character. He was also known to often wash his own prints in the rivers of Edo to fix the colors, a practice that was considered unconventional at the time.
Significant Artworks & Images by Utagawa Hiroshige:
- "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" (1831) - Although often incorrectly attributed to Hiroshige, this work is actually by Katsushika Hokusai.
- "The 53 Stations of the Tōkaidō" (1833-1834)
- "The 69 Stations of Kisokaidō" (1834-1842)
- "One Hundred Famous Views of Edo" (1856-1858)
- "The Seven Hot Springs of Hakone" (1830s)
- "Sudden Shower over Shin-Ōhashi bridge and Atake" (1857)
- "The Moonlit Night in Kanazawa" (1833)
- "Plum Estate, Kameido" (1857)
- "Nihonbashi: Clearing After Snow" (1833)
- "Asakusa Ricefields and Torinomachi Festival" (1857)