As one of the most prolific artists of the Edo Period of Japan, Katsushika Hokusai (1760-1849) was a defining figure in the art of printmaking. Renowned for a number of works, most notably his iconic Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (circa 1831), Hokusai posthumously became a key influence on the modern masters of European painting at the end of the nineteenth century. This influence, as well as an amazing compendium of his works, serves as the focus of Hokusai, now available on Musebooks.
This book offers an incisive look into the Japanese artist’s career through the lens of writing by French brothers Edmond de Goncourt (1822-1896) and Jules de Goncourt (1830-1870). The de Goncourt brothers grew to acclaim during their career for their study and critique of contemporary art, and in this volume they showcase the rise of Hokusai’s popularity among western European audiences, paying particular attention to the influence of Hokusai’s work on the emerging ideals of the Impressionists in the closing decades of the nineteenth century. Fans spanning Japanese art, printmaking, and even later nineteenth-century modernism will find valuable new insights in this text that celebrates the incredibly work of a beloved artist.