Gunner Private First Class Sawagashira Unosuke …

The 1895 print of Gunner Private First Class Sawagashira Unosuke extends the series of individual heroic portraits to the lowest ranks—the common soldier's bravery given the same commemorative treatment as the officer. The gunner's technical role, operating artillery at close quarters during the assault on fortified positions, involved particular danger, and the print's subject would be shown at his gun or in the act of firing, the artillery weapon adding industrial-era technology to the traditional warrior imagery.