The artwork titled “Street Scenes Newly Published,” created by Katsushika Hokusai in 1825, belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and is classified under the genre of genre painting. It is currently housed in the Guimet Museum in Paris, France.
The artwork presents a vivid depiction of everyday life in historical Japan, a common theme in Ukiyo-e genre paintings. It exhibits a bustling scene filled with various individuals engaged in diverse activities, reflecting the intricacies of urban life during the Edo period. Hokusai’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the intricate patterns and textures of the clothing, the delicate expressions on the faces of the characters, and the finely rendered surroundings, all of which contribute to the narrative depth of the piece. The use of color and composition effectively directs the viewer’s attention across the dynamic tableau, inviting a closer examination of each figure and their respective actions.