Night View of Saruwaka-Machi (Saruwaka-Machi Yoru No Kei)

Night view of Saruwaka-machi is from Hiroshige’s “one hundred famous views of Edo.” It shows the hustle and bustle within the shop-filled street, illuminated by the moon and the many lit-up shops, the shadow of the people and shops stands out. Shadows were common to western art but new to Japan, Hiroshige taking inspiration shows the casted shadows of the crowd. People strolling on by, others are standing still enjoying the company of others, while vendors are trying to sell their product, there is a feeling of movement. The Generalized people don’t need a tremendous amount of detail, they are a part of this urban city landscape. The crowded nightlife captures the essence of reality, the piece invokes the life of the city.

• Jesus Martinez Gomez