Towing a Barge in the Snow, from the album The Silver World
1790
Kitagawa Utamaro Japanese, about 1756-1806
Japan
The subtle use of various shades of gray give this print the appearance of a watercolor. The abundance of snow on the bridges, hats, trees, and mountains creates an air of stillness that contrasts with the men laboring against the elements.
Woodblock print; oban