<b>SELF-PORTRAIT</b> / Masao Maeda1955<b>SOLD</b></em>

Details

Known for his striking mountain landscapes executed in rich, lush pigments, Masao Maeda’s self-portrait is a bit of a departure. There are only seven recorded portraits in his body of work, and this is his only self-portrait. The portrait is warm and inviting; the artist appears at ease and approachable. This design is uncharacteristically monochromatic, which may be an acknowledgment of wartime shortages. Without Maeda’s signature coloration, it is the artist’s smile that adds interest and pulls the viewer in. The background depicts grapes, vines, and leaves—perhaps the artist was a fan of wine and the portrait captures him moments after enjoying a glass or two. This might explain the unabashed smile.

With respect to self-portraits, it is always interesting to consider how artists elect to depict themselves in their work. At the time when this print was produced, male portraits, outside of kabuki subjects, were rarely created, though there are some notable standouts, such as Koshiro Onchi’s portrait of the poet Hagiwara. Maeda’s approachable self-portrait and Onchi’s chilling portrait of a poet in anguish could not be more different.

Connoisseur's Note

As mentioned, there was no real interest in male portraits, outside of kabuki designs, at the time this print was produced. Certainly, this portrait was given an exceedingly small print run. Further still, this design is only illustrated in two catalogs within the extensive Sosaku Hanga literature, leaving little doubt of its scarcity.