"The Great Wave off Kanagawa," also known as "The Great Wave," is an iconic ukiyo-e woodblock print by the Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. The print is considered one of the most famous examples of Japanese art and is widely recognized as a symbol of Japanese culture.

The Great Wave depicts a massive wave, towering over small fishing boats, and was created as part of Hokusai's series "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji." The series was one of Hokusai's most popular and was meant to showcase the beauty of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.

The Great Wave is considered an iconic painting because of its striking composition and its powerful representation of the force of nature. The massive wave, with its curling crest and frothing foam, is depicted in great detail, creating a sense of tension and drama. At the same time, the small fishing boats are depicted as tiny and insignificant in comparison, emphasizing the overwhelming power of the wave.

The Great Wave is also considered an iconic painting because of its influence on Japanese and Western art. The print is considered one of the greatest examples of ukiyo-e, a genre of Japanese art that celebrated the fleeting beauty of the world. The print's popularity in the West inspired numerous artists, including Vincent van Gogh, who was influenced by Hokusai's use of vibrant color and bold lines.

In summary, "The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Katsushika Hokusai is an iconic painting because of its striking composition, its powerful representation of the force of nature, and its influence on Japanese and Western art. The print continues to be widely recognized and celebrated as a symbol of Japanese culture and one of the greatest examples of ukiyo-e.