La grande vague de Kanagawa (1833) Printmaking by Hokusai

Fine art paper, 8x12 in
  • Original Artwork Printmaking, Xylography
  • Dimensions Height 10.9in, Width 14.9in
  • Framing This artwork is not framed
  • Categories Classicism Seascape
Katsushika Hokusai's painting "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" is an iconic work of the ukiyo-e style and one of the most recognizable images in Japanese art. The scene depicts a huge wave crashing over boats near the Kanagawa coast, with Mount Fuji visible in the background. The wave, almost menacing, appears about to crash over the fishermen, creating [...]
Katsushika Hokusai's painting "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" is an iconic work of the ukiyo-e style and one of the most recognizable images in Japanese art. The scene depicts a huge wave crashing over boats near the Kanagawa coast, with Mount Fuji visible in the background. The wave, almost menacing, appears about to crash over the fishermen, creating a dramatic contrast between the force of nature and human vulnerability. The finely detailed crests of the wave resemble claws or fingers ready to grasp the boats. The dominant colors are the deep blue of the water and the foamy white of the waves, with touches of brown and black for the boats and fishermen. In the background, Mount Fuji, a softer hue, provides a point of calm and stability against the chaos of the rough sea. Hokusai uses perspective and movement to create a dynamic and expressive composition. The contrast between the tumultuous movement of the wave and the serenity of Mount Fuji symbolizes the balance between natural forces and tranquility. The work is not only a celebration of the beauty and power of nature, but also a reflection on human resilience in the face of the inevitable forces of life.

Related themes

KanagawaMount FujiVagueTsunamiOcéan

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Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter, and printmaker who lived during the Edo period (late 18th to early 19th century). Katsushika Hokusai began his artistic career as a woodblock printmaker's [...]

Katsushika Hokusai was a Japanese artist, ukiyo-e painter, and printmaker who lived during the Edo period (late 18th to early 19th century). Katsushika Hokusai began his artistic career as a woodblock printmaker's apprentice at a young age. Over the course of his lifetime, Hokusai produced a vast body of work, encompassing a wide range of subjects and styles.

One of Hokusai's defining characteristics as an artist was his relentless experimentation and dedication to his craft. He adopted various artistic names throughout his career, each reflecting a new phase of his artistic development. He was known to have created over 30,000 works during his lifetime, including not only prints but also paintings, sketches, and illustrations for books.

Hokusai's "Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji" series, created in the early 1830s when he was in his seventies, remains one of his most enduring and celebrated achievements. The series captures the iconic Japanese landmark from different perspectives and in various seasons, showcasing Hokusai's mastery of composition and his ability to evoke a sense of awe and reverence for nature.

In addition to landscapes, Hokusai was also known for his depictions of animals, supernatural creatures, and scenes from Japanese mythology. His meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey emotion and movement through his brushwork set him apart as a master of his craft.

Hokusai's influence extended far beyond Japan, with his works inspiring countless artists around the world, including Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Edgar Degas. His innovative approach to composition, use of color, and bold graphic style laid the groundwork for the development of modern art movements such as Impressionism and Art Nouveau.

Despite facing numerous personal and professional challenges throughout his life, including financial hardships and the devastation of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, Hokusai remained dedicated to his art until his death in 1849 at the age of 88. Today, his legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring that his name will be remembered as one of the greatest artists in Japanese history.

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