Copies By Vincent Van Gogh - Copy After Keisai Eisen

Copy After Keisai Eisen

While living in Antwerp Van Gogh become acquainted with Japanese wood block prints. In Paris, Keisai Eisen's print appeared on the May 1886 cover of "Paris Illustré" magazine which inspired Van Gogh to make The Courtesan. The magazine issue was entirely devoted to Japan. Japanese author, Tadamasa Hayashi, who lived in Paris, acquainted Parisians with information about Japan. In addition to providing information about its history, climate and visual arts, Hayashi explained what it was like to live in Japan, such as its customs, religion, education, religion, and the nature of its people.

Van Gogh copied and enlarged the image. He created a bright yellow background and colorful kimono. Influenced by other Japanese prints, he added a "watery landscape" of bamboo and water lilies. Frogs and cranes, terms used in 19th century France for prostitutes, with a distance boat adorn the border.

• A courtesan, Nishiki-e, by Keisai Eisen

• The Courtesan (after Eisen) by Vincent van Gogh, 1887, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam (F373)