Scary Painting Animal Crossing

Historical Context of the Scary Painting

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the “Scary Painting” draws inspiration from a significant piece of Japanese art history, which offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Edo period. Understanding this historical context enhances the appreciation of the artwork and its role in the game.

Tōshūsai Sharaku

• Artist Overview: Tōshūsai Sharaku was an influential Japanese ukiyo-e artist known for his portraits of Kabuki actors. His work is celebrated for its bold and expressive style, which captures the dramatic essence of Kabuki theater.
• Active Period: Sharaku was active during a brief but impactful period in the late 18th century, around 1794-1795. Despite his short career, his work left a lasting impression on the art world.
• Artistic Style: Sharaku’s prints are renowned for their psychological depth and dynamic compositions. His portraits often highlight the exaggerated emotions and theatrical poses of Kabuki actors, providing a vivid portrayal of their performances.

Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei

• Subject of the Painting: The “Scary Painting” in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is based on the woodblock print “Ōtani Oniji III as Yakko Edobei,” created by Sharaku. This print depicts the Kabuki actor Ōtani Oniji III in the role of Yakko Edobei.
• Kabuki Theater: Kabuki is a traditional form of Japanese theater known for its elaborate costumes, stylized performances, and dramatic storytelling. Actors often portray larger-than-life characters with intense emotions, which Sharaku captures vividly in his prints.
• Role Depiction: In the print, Ōtani Oniji III is shown in a striking pose, emphasizing his character’s dramatic and fierce nature. The portrayal is designed to evoke a strong emotional response, aligning with the theatrical style of Kabuki performances.

Cultural Significance

• Artistic Impact: Sharaku’s work represents a key development in ukiyo-e art, showcasing a departure from the more idealized depictions of actors by other artists. His focus on the raw, emotional expressions of his subjects offers a unique perspective on the Kabuki theater.
• Historical Context: The late 18th century in Japan was a period of cultural flourishing, with the Edo period (1603-1868) being a time of relative peace and stability. This allowed the arts, including Kabuki theater and ukiyo-e prints, to thrive and reach a wide audience.

By incorporating the “Scary Painting” into Animal Crossing: New Horizons, players are not only collecting a piece of virtual art but also engaging with a rich historical and cultural narrative that reflects the dramatic and expressive world of Kabuki theater and Japanese art history.

Identifying Real vs. Fake

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, not all art pieces from Redd’s Treasure Trawler are authentic. Identifying the real Scary Painting is crucial for collectors:

• Real Version:
  • Expression: The real painting has a well-detailed, intense expression that reflects the artistic style of Sharaku. The details are refined and closely match the original print.
  • Art Quality: The quality of the painting is high, with intricate details that mirror the historical art piece.
• Fake Version:
  • Expression: The fake version usually features exaggerated facial expressions and less attention to the fine details, making the actor appear more menacing or caricatured.
  • Art Quality: The quality of the fake painting is often lower, with noticeable differences from the authentic version.

How to Obtain the Scary Painting

To acquire the Scary Painting, follow these steps:

1. Visit Redd’s Treasure Trawler: Redd is a character who periodically visits your island with his boat. He sells a variety of art pieces and sculptures.
2. Browse His Inventory: Check Redd’s selection for the Scary Painting. Be prepared for the possibility of receiving a fake.
3. Purchase and Verify: Buy the painting and then verify its authenticity using guides or comparison with known details of the genuine piece.

Donating to the Museum

Once you have the authentic Scary Painting, you can donate it to the museum:

1. Go to the Museum: Visit the museum on your island where Blathers manages the art gallery.
2. Talk to Blathers: Speak to Blathers, who will accept donations for the museum’s art collection.
3. Complete the Donation: The Scary Painting will be added to the museum’s art gallery, enhancing the collection and providing visitors with a glimpse of historical art.

Tips for Collectors

• Regular Visits: Redd’s inventory changes frequently, so visit him often to increase your chances of finding the Scary Painting.
• Consult Resources: Use online guides or community forums to help identify the authenticity of art pieces, ensuring you add genuine items to your collection.
• Save Before Purchasing: To avoid mistakenly buying a fake, consider saving your game before making a purchase from Redd. This allows you to reset and try again if needed.

Conclusion

The Scary Painting in Animal Crossing: New Horizons adds a touch of historical and artistic drama to your museum. Understanding how to distinguish between the real and fake versions is crucial for collectors aiming to complete their art collection accurately. By regularly visiting Redd’s Treasure Trawler, using online guides for verification, and saving your game before purchases, you can ensure that your collection features authentic and captivating pieces. Enjoy the process of curating and showcasing this unique artwork, enhancing your virtual museum with a rich and culturally significant addition.