The power of nature

Artist: Katsushika Hokusai

Title: Under the Wave off Kanagawa 

Date: 1830

Provenance: Japan

Medium: polychrome wood block print

Source: metmuseum.org

Describe: This gorgeous scene of nature depicts a ginormous wave. The center of the piece, the great wave, is taller than all the other waves in the sea. 

Analyze:  There is little to no value scale as every color present is very bright. The only darkness present is the dark blue of the lines. The blue and white are the most common colors in this work. The towering slope of the great wave speaks of suspension and power. It looks as though the wave is about to break and crash down on the already tumultuous sea. The frothy edges of the wave are outstretched as if claws poised to strike. There is little to no contrast but the size of the wave compared to all the other waves creates emphasis. The eye is drawn to the focus point at the crest of the wave. The curling lines swirl with power. The tiny boats in their weak pale peach color seem pathetic in both size, color and power.

Interpret: This piece speaks of the raw power and intimidating size of nature. This pouncing wave in the already tumultuous sea seems daunting and the small boats floating in the water look weak and fragile. This piece speaks of the power of nature over man.  These boats have no chance against the great wave about to break over their heads. 

Judge: this piece is magnificent. It truly captures the raw power of nature and how fragile and temporary man made things are. Man has always pushed nature aside but nature is refusing to be ignored and has reared its ugly head.