Sunny Winter Day

In 1917, Kishida Ryusei relocated to Kugenuma in Kanagawa Prefecture while recuperating from tuberculosis. This painting, made after the move, precedes his famous series of portraits of his daughter Reiko, but she appears as a small figure within the landscape. The composition features a clear blue sky, tranquil countryside, pine trees swaying in the sea breeze, and a girl crouching with an apple in hand. An inscription on the front and back of the canvas notes that the painting was completed on December 13, and was shown just two days later at the fifth Sodosha exhibition. Kishida painted his outdoor works from life, and had limited time to capture this scene due to health reasons. His depiction of the crisp, beautiful winter scenery was clearly executed swiftly, like a snapshot in paint. (F.R.)