Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Ando Hiroshige died in 1858; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1928.
In context
Aronia and Parrot — Ando Hiroshige
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 61 at death.
Shaded: the lifetime of Ando Hiroshige (1797–1858) every dated painting, decade by decade
This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/ando-hiroshige-aronia-and-parrot-8BWLCS-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Celadon #c0c7cc
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 54.6% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 262 works by this artist, of which 49 were looked at at least once. This painting ranks 11 of them, with 3.1% of that attention (200 visits). The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
Artist and museum
Born in Tokyo, Japan
Ando Hiroshige, born Andō Tokutarō in 1797 within the bustling heart of Edo (modern Tokyo), wasn’t initially destined for a life steeped in artistic expression. His lineage traced back to samurai origins, yet fate took an unexpected turn with the untimely loss of his parents during his youth. This pivotal moment led to an apprenticeship under Utagawa Toyohiro, a respected figure within the ukiyo-e tradition – a world of woodblock prints capturing the ephemeral beauty of everyday life. While early works didn’t immediately garner acclaim, Hiroshige diligently honed his skills, patiently refining his technique and gradually forging a path toward artistic recognition. He even briefly fulfilled familial obligations as a fire warden, a stark contrast to the delicate landscapes that would ultimately define his legacy. This blend of duty and burgeoning artistry shaped a unique perspective, one deeply attuned to both the grandeur and the quiet moments of Edo society.
Hiroshige's true breakthrough came with his dedication to landscape prints, a genre considered somewhat minor at the time. He transcended mere representation, imbuing his scenes with an emotional resonance that resonated deeply with audiences. His work wasn’t simply about places; it was about the feeling of being in those places – the gentle mist clinging to Mount Fuji, the bustling energy of the Tokaido Road, the serene beauty of a plum orchard in bloom. His series became windows into the soul of Japan. The iconic “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji” stands as a testament to this mastery, presenting the sacred mountain from countless perspectives, each revealing a different facet of its symbolic power. Equally celebrated is "Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō," a meticulously detailed chronicle of the vital trade route connecting Edo and Kyoto. These weren’t just maps; they were vibrant snapshots of life in motion, capturing the travelers, merchants, and landscapes that defined this crucial artery of Japanese commerce. One Hundred Famous Views of Edo, his most ambitious undertaking, offered a panoramic vision of the capital city, showcasing its diverse neighborhoods, scenic vistas, and cultural landmarks with unparalleled detail and sensitivity.
By the late 19th century, Hiroshige’s art had embarked on an extraordinary journey westward, becoming a cornerstone of the Japonisme movement that swept through Europe. European artists, captivated by the unique aesthetic sensibilities of Japanese prints, eagerly absorbed Hiroshige's innovative techniques and compositional approaches. The impact was profound. Vincent van Gogh, deeply moved by Hiroshige’s use of color and perspective, created his own interpretations of several prints, demonstrating a clear admiration for the Japanese master. Claude Monet, another leading figure in Impressionism, also drew inspiration from Hiroshige's atmospheric effects and emphasis on capturing fleeting moments. The influence extended beyond painting; elements of Hiroshige’s designs can be seen in the flowing lines and natural motifs of Art Nouveau. His work wasn’t merely copied but served as a catalyst for artistic innovation, prompting Western artists to re-evaluate their own approaches to color, composition, and subject matter.
Ando Hiroshige passed away in 1858, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate and inspire. He is often regarded as the last great master of ukiyo-e, marking a turning point in Japanese art history. His emphasis on landscape, his poetic sensibility, and his innovative use of color and composition set him apart from his contemporaries and paved the way for future generations of artists.
His prints offer invaluable insights into life in Edo-period Japan.
He elevated landscape painting to new heights within the ukiyo-e tradition.
His work played a crucial role in introducing Japanese art and aesthetics to the West.
Today, Hiroshige’s prints are treasured possessions of museums and private collectors worldwide. His legacy endures not only through his stunning artwork but also through the enduring influence he exerted on artists across cultures and generations – a testament to the power of a poetic vision that continues to resonate with audiences centuries later.
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Look closely
Aronia and Parrot — Ando Hiroshige
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
The palette of "Aronia and Parrot" by Ando Hiroshige is described as neutrals. It is a compact description of the work's colors.
"Aronia and Parrot" is available as a fine art print on cotton canvas or archival canvas paper. Orders are placed on its Fine Art Print page, in the size of your choice.
"Aronia and Parrot" by Ando Hiroshige is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Ando Hiroshige died in 1858.