Japan: A Female Ghost, from an untitled series of supernatural beings. Kitagawa Utamaro (c.1753 - 1806), c. 1790

Kitagawa Utamaro was a Japanese artist. He is one of the most highly regarded practitioners of the ukiyo-e genre of woodblock prints, especially for his portraits of beautiful women, or bijin-ga. He also produced nature studies, particularly illustrated books of insects.

Utamaro's work reached Europe in the mid-nineteenth century, where it was very popular, enjoying particular acclaim in France. He influenced the European Impressionists, particularly with his use of partial views and his emphasis on light and shade, which they imitated. The reference to the 'Japanese influence' among these artists often refers to the work of Utamaro.

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Pictures From History