Kuniyoshi 国芳: Original Preparatory Drawing of Men with Torches on the Warpath (Sold)

Artist: Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1798-1861) Title: Original Preparatory Drawing of Men with Torches on the Warpath Date: ca. late 1840s A band of men are on the warpath, ascending a winding hill towards a house above, their weapons out and their faces grimly determined. The leader carries a torch, and a second man towards the back also carries a lit torch, so it must be nighttime. They do not seem to be acting in an official capacity, as their clothes are those worn by everyday people, and the house seems to be an ordinary residence. The second man has peeled down his upper jacket and is unclothed beneath it, and he carries a weapon on his shoulder. They all seem itching for a fight, leaning forward and making haste up the illustrated path. Kuniyoshi has lent the men a terrific sense of movement and urgency and commitment in just a few strokes, telling part of a story with great effectiveness. The size of this drawing seems to be for a print that would be intended for a chuban print.  Proven