Woman and a Small Dog

Kuroda Jutaro, a leading figure in the world of Western-style painting in the Kansai region, was active from the late Meiji era (1868–1912) through the Showa era (1926–89). He studied under Asai Chu and Kanokogi Takeshiro at the Shogoin Institute of Western Art and Kansai Bijutsuin, and traveled to France in 1918 and 1921. Influenced by Impressionism and Cubism, Kuroda developed a distinctive painting style. In addition to his activities as an artist, he wrote numerous books on art theory and helped lay the groundwork for the study of art history in Japan. This painting was shown at the 15th Nika Exhibition. It features crisp light brown outlines, and a palette of brown and blue that emphasizes the figure. The semi-abstract treatment of the subject and the juxtaposition of motifs that Kuroda learned under André Lhote, during his second stint studying abroad, contributed to the refinement of his own unique approach. (J.A.)