The artwork under discussion, titled “Manga,” is a creation of the eminent artist Katsushika Hokusai. This work belongs to the Ukiyo-e art movement and falls within the genre of sketch and study. It is part of the “Hokusai Manga” series and currently resides in the Musée National Gustave Moreau in Paris, France.
The artwork presents a dynamic scene featuring three men engaged in intense physical activity. The central figure, positioned above the others, appears to be operating a piece of traditional machinery, possibly for carpentry or milling. The figures below exhibit determined expressions and muscular postures, indicative of the laborious tasks they are undertaking. The composition is characterized by a sense of movement and struggle, which is accentuated by the detailed rendering of the figures’ anatomy and the sparse, yet purposeful, use of lines and shading. The piece reflects Hokusai’s meticulous approach to capturing the human form and his ability to convey action and effort through minimalist means.
