The artwork, titled “Women walking in the snow,” was created by the artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi. It belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls under the genre of portrait. In the artwork, the viewer is presented with the depiction of a solitary woman navigating through a snowy landscape. She is clad in an ample, brown kimono that envelops her form, shielding her from the cold. Her face is partially obscured by a dark hood, further emphasizing the harshness of the winter setting. The woman’s posture, as she leans slightly forward with her weight distributed on her geta (traditional Japanese footwear), illustrates her struggle against the winter elements.
The background showcases a picturesque scene of a river with a small boat in the distance, flanked by snow-covered trees and mountains, further capturing the serenity and stillness of winter. The inclusion of Japanese text adds to the authenticity and cultural context of the piece. Through delicate lines and muted color tones, Kuniyoshi effectively conveys the serenity and quietude that accompanies a snowfall, as well as the resilience and grace of the woman depicted in facing these harsh conditions.
