What kind of art does "Under the Wave off Kanagawa" represent?

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Study for the Texas AandM University ARTS150 Art History Survey II Exam. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Sharpen your knowledge for success!

"Under the Wave off Kanagawa," also known as "The Great Wave," is an iconic woodblock print created by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai during the Edo period. This artwork exemplifies landscape art, particularly in how it portrays the dramatic relationship between nature and humanity.

The print features a colossal wave, which is depicted in dynamic detail, towering over boats and Mount Fuji in the background. Hokusai’s attention to the ocean's power reflects the sublime aspects of nature, characteristic of landscape art. The composition skillfully combines elements of scenery, ocean, and geography, emphasizing the wave’s grandeur and the smallness of the boats in comparison. This aligns closely with the aesthetic principles of Japanese ukiyo-e prints, which often focused on scenes from nature and everyday life.

In summary, "Under the Wave off Kanagawa" is a significant example of landscape art that captures the beauty and ferocity of nature, placing it firmly within this category.