Lunchtime lecture: Hiroshige and his influence
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
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- Start Date: 02 May 2025End Date: 02 May 2025Fri (Daytime): 13:00 - 14:00OnlineFull fee £10.00 Senior fee £10.00 Concession £7.00
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What is the course about?
This lecture provides a short introduction to art of Utagawa Hiroshige, focusing on his innovative landscapes, use of colour and space. In the first part, we will situate him in his time and place of early 19th century Edo Japan, exploring how and why he synthesised Japanese, Chinese and Western compositional techniques.
In the second part of the lecture, we look at Hiroshige’s unprecedented influence on Western painting, printmaking and architecture by examining some of the artists inspired by him. These include Vincent van Gogh, James Abbott McNeill Whistler and Frank Lloyd Wright. The hope is to give this artist, who is often overshadowed in popular art history by his contemporary Hokusai, the attention he deserves.
What will we cover?
• An introduction to the art of Hiroshige
• Hiroshige’s art historical context
• Hiroshige’s influence on modern art and architecture in Europe and the U.S.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Understand the significance of Hiroshige’s influence on other artists
• Describe at least one, outstanding visual characteristic of Hiroshige’s work
• Be able to have a general discussion about Japanese landscape prints of the 19th century.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to all.
You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught with lecture and slide presentation. This course does not include an active discussion element, but there will be time for Q&A at the end of the session. This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure..
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
There are no additional costs.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Search for 'lunchtime lectures' to see all of the talks on offer in the coming year.
Sarah Jaffray holds a BA and MA in Art History with an emphasis in 19th/20th century France and a minor in the Italian Renaissance. She holds a second MA in Cultural Theory from Goldsmiths, University of London. Sarah was a lecturer for several colleges and universities in the Los Angeles area before relocating to London in 2012. She has worked in curatorial roles at the British Museum and Wellcome Collection. In addition to her current teaching at City Lit, Sarah is a lecturer at the University of Arts London and the Tutor Coordinator for City Lit's Art History programme. Her art historical practice focuses on experimental narratives, artistic process, art pedagogy, politics and philosophy. Sarah's current research is focused on translation and empathy.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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