Book Description

With Hokusai, Utamaro and Kuniyoshi, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) is one of the great protagonists of ukiyo-e . With respect to Hokusai, whom he constantly compared himself to, since he was around thirty years younger, Hiroshige made landscape and nature the focus of his work by instilling in the viewer a sense of harmony, serenity and peace that, still today, is universally admired. In fact, thanks to these qualities he is one of the most praised artists and is considered the "master of nature". Hiroshige renders the human figure with quick, direct lines that at times call to mind manga and anime sketches, though simplified and essential. This monograph presents a selection of around 230 works from the most important series by Hiroshige, including views of famous places in the capital of Edo as well as in the farthest provinces, but also a body of work with the most admirable images portraying animals, flowers and insects plus original drawings and print plates that are still intact. This publication, which covers the Japanese master's entire career, is divided into eight themed sections that discuss the most important series in a thorough and illustrative way: Early Works; Travel Images; Flowers, Birds and the Moon; Views of Distant Places; View of the Oriental Capital; Hiroshige: Life and Work; Hiroshige and His Print Work: Contemporaries and the West.