The artwork titled “Snow Dawn at Susaki” is a creation by the artist Hiroshige, crafted in the period between 1836 and 1843. This piece is a woodcut, a technique prevalent in the Ukiyo-e art movement to which Hiroshige belonged. The artwork’s dimensions are 17.8 x 50.5 cm, and it falls within the landscape genre, showcasing Hiroshige’s skill in capturing the essence of natural beauty intertwined with human habitation.
The artwork depicts a serene winter scene at dawn, possibly by the sea or along a river, given the presence of boats in the distance. The long horizontal composition allows the viewer to scan across the landscape, resembling a panoramic view. Snow blankets the ground, gently undulating across what appears to be agricultural fields, their linear patterns bringing a sense of order and rhythm to the scene. In the background, clusters of traditional Japanese housing huddle together, their rooftops dusted with snow as well, conveying the chill of winter.
On the horizon, a pale sun just barely rises, suggesting the time of early morning when colors are muted, and a quiet hush pervades the environment. Two boats float in the tranquil waters, their sails unfurled, providing a sense of movement within the otherwise still landscape. The use of light color washes and fine lines creates a delicate and almost ethereal atmosphere, a hallmark of Hiroshige’s style in rendering natural vistas with poetic grace.
Symbols in the margins likely indicate the series, the print’s place within it, and affirm its authenticity as a work by Hiroshige. Overall, the composition exudes a quiet, reflective quality, inviting contemplation from the viewer.
