Hiroshige, Andō (1797–1858)

An example of Japanese art in the 19th century. The landscape background is signed by Hiroshige II while the travellers in the foreground are the work of Kunisada.

Japanese artist. He was one of the leading exponents of ukiyo-e prints, an art form whose flat, decorative style and choice of everyday subjects influenced such artists as James Whistler and Vincent van Gogh. His landscape prints, often employing snow or rain to create atmosphere, include Tōkaidō gojūsan tsugi/53 Stations on the Tōkaidō Highway (1833).

Hiroshige was born in Edo (now Tokyo), and most of his subjects were taken from the vicinity of Edo or were scenes on the old Tokaido highway between Edo and Kyoto. His last series, Meishō Edo hyakkei/100 Famous Views of Edo (1856–58), was incomplete at his death. He is thought to have made over 5,000 different prints.