Edward Hopper
(July 22, 1882 - May 15, 1967) |
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urban landscapes, figurative subjects Art Work
| Name: |
Edward Hopper |
| Gender: |
Male |
| Place of Birth: |
Nyack, New York |
| Nationality: |
American |
| Birth: |
July 22, 1882 |
| Death: |
May 15, 1967 |
| Website: |
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| Past Auctions: |
Click Here |
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Quick Facts
| Known For: |
urban landscapes, figurative subjects |
| Medium: |
oil painting, watercolour, etching |
| Method: |
oil painting, watercolour, etching |
| Style: |
Realism |
| Fine Art Profession(s): |
Painter
Printmaker
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Biography
Edward Hopper was a prominent American realist, painter, and printmaker. His natural and urban landscapes depict American life from the perspective of a shy, quiet, and introspective man.
Hopper was born into a middle-class family, and his parents supported his budding talent in the arts, keeping him well equipped with supplies and encouragement. Hopper's mature artistic training came from the New York Institute of Art & Design, where he was profoundly influenced by his teacher Robert Henri and the Ashcan School of Art.
By 1905, Hopper was working in advertising, although he soon tired of commercial illustration. On his trips to Europe, Hopper was inspired by the work of Rembrandt and his sombre color palettes. The contemporary art scene in Europe made little impact on Hopper, and he was much more interested in classicism and realism than the Cubist movement gaining popularity at the time. During his time in Europe, Hopper's subjects were usually urban landscapes and street and cafe scenes.
Upon return to New York, Hopper continued to work in commercial art to support himself financially. His oil painting stagnated, however, as a result of a period of depression. In 1915, the artist turned to printmaking. He produced over 70 works, the majority of which depicted urban architectural scenes. His prints gained a little recognition, but Hopper's artistic career continued to progress slowly.
By 1923, Hopper finally began garnering some public recognition for his work. After the 1920s, Hopper's popularity ensured a stable financial situation, and the artist finally stopped taking commercial commissions. Hopper was very prolific in this period. His works include House by the Railroad in 1925, Two on the Aisle in 1927, and Room in New York in 1932. In 1942, Hopper produced his most famous painting, Nighthawks, which depicts a group of figures in an all-night diner. The contrast of light and dark and subtle mood of danger, characteristic of many of Hopper's works, made the artist a favorite among later artists as well as cinematographers. |
Samples of Work
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