Description
Katsushika Hokusai's 1821 painting Storm Under the Summit is a masterful example of the Ukiyo-e style, which flourished in Japan during the Edo period and is known for its use of color and depiction of landscapes and scenes of everyday life. In this painting, Hokusai captures a fleeting moment in nature that exudes emotion and power. The work is notable for its extraordinary depiction of Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most iconic images, which is presented in the background, surrounded by a dramatic, stormy display of dark clouds and rain.
The composition is intriguing; the great peak of Fuji, symbolizing stability and grandeur, contrasts with the fury of the surrounding climate. This dichotomy can be interpreted as a representation of inner tranquility in the face of external adversity, a recurring theme in Hokusai’s work. Clouds in dark grey, almost black tones, gather dramatically at the top of the canvas, giving the sense of an impending tempest. As the eye moves down into the valley, the color becomes lighter and the background takes on a soft blue hue, suggesting the calm that follows the storm.
In the foreground, the presence of human figures is hinted at, although tiny, adding a palpable narrative to the scene. The travellers, possibly on a journey to the mountains, seem to be caught in the inclement weather, which provokes a reflection on human vulnerability in the face of the powers of nature. Hokusai manages to capture the expression of uncertainty and struggle of the human being, making the viewer feel part of this unstable atmosphere.
The use of colour in Storm Under the Summit is fundamental to creating the desired atmosphere. Hokusai deploys a palette that ranges from intense darks to subtle shades of blue, complemented by the white of Fuji, which further highlights its prominence. This contrast not only gives depth to the work, but also demonstrates Hokusai's mastery of printing and the use of inks, distinctive characteristics of Ukiyo-e, which is able to combine traditional techniques with an innovative vision of the landscape.
The work also fits into the broader context of Hokusai's career, who is not only known as a distinguished painter but also as an innovator in printmaking. His landscape images have profoundly influenced Japanese and Western artists. "Storm Under the Summit" is part of his series of works dedicated to Mount Fuji, a recurring theme that reflects his admiration for this sacred mountain, and which becomes a symbol of Japanese identity.
In short, Storm Under the Summit is a work that transcends its time, resonating with the modern viewer as much as it did in 19th-century Japan. Its dynamic composition, brilliant use of color, and evocation of man's struggle against nature remain relevant, making Hokusai not only a master of Ukiyo-e, but a precursor to the depiction of landscape in world art. This work is an invitation to meditate on the relationship between man and his environment, a timeless theme that Hokusai addresses with unsurpassed depth and artistic skill.
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