![1857, Utagawa Hiroshige, Mount Atago, Shiba, from 100 Famous Views of Edo [woodblock print] -- Brooklyn Museum | by R.M.Lenox](http://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53685367908_cfaf906fe2.jpg)
1857, Utagawa Hiroshige, Mount Atago, Shiba, from 100 Famous Views of Edo [woodblock print] -- Brooklyn Museum
Rather than illustrate the Atago Shrine, Hiroshige places us at the top of its steps, turned away from the main building to enjoy the panoramic view. He positions the climbing figures to emphasize the steepness of the stairs. The man at the front is enacting a New Year's ritual, wearing and carrying emblems of health and abundance. Hiroshige often added human activity to remind his audience that these sites were famous not solely for their architecture or setting but also for the way they functioned in daily life.
1857, Utagawa Hiroshige, Mount Atago, Shiba, from 100 Famous Views of Edo [woodblock print] -- Brooklyn Museum
Rather than illustrate the Atago Shrine, Hiroshige places us at the top of its steps, turned away from the main building to enjoy the panoramic view. He positions the climbing figures to emphasize the steepness of the stairs. The man at the front is enacting a New Year's ritual, wearing and carrying emblems of health and abundance. Hiroshige often added human activity to remind his audience that these sites were famous not solely for their architecture or setting but also for the way they functioned in daily life.