Two girls under umbrella in snowstorm

About this artwork

Contains signature.

Art Historical Context

This painting, executed in the style of the celebrated ukiyo-e master Kitagawa Utamaro, depicts two young women huddled together beneath an umbrella amid a swirling snowstorm. Although Utamaro lived from 1753 to 1806, the work dates to the 19th century and reflects the lasting appeal of his graceful portrayals of women. Created during Japan’s Edo period, it belongs to the ukiyo-e tradition, which celebrated the fleeting pleasures and everyday beauty of urban life through elegant figures and atmospheric scenes. As a kakemono, or hanging scroll, the piece would have been displayed in a domestic setting, inviting quiet contemplation of nature’s transience—a recurring theme in Japanese art. The snow and umbrella motif underscores ideas of resilience and momentary intimacy, while the signature adds a layer of authenticity to its traditional presentation. Part of the Charles Lang Freer collection at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, this work highlights the cross-cultural appreciation of Japanese aesthetics in the West during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.