Hopper Exhibit

Sketch of "Hotel Room" by Edward Hopper

Comparison of Two Paintings by Edward Hopper

I chose to compare "Hotel Room" (1931) and "Western Motel" (1957). Both paintings focus on one woman, alone in a room. The paintings were created over 25 years apart and share some commonalities as well as some differences. They both have strong vertical and horizontal lines in the background. The foreground images are softer, have rounded edges, and are balanced by dark, reddish-brown images on either side of both paintings. In "Western Motel" those images are the bed frame and the chair. In "Hotel Room" they are the bed frame and the dresser. There is great pictorial movement in both, leading the viewer's eye down every line and around every curve, until the entire image is fully digested. Hopper uses light to create more lines and it makes for a hypnotizing contrast within each piece. The light is so realistically painted that it draws the viewer into the room and creates the sense of voyeurism that Hopper is known for. Even with these similarities, the feel of each painting is drastically different.

The older "Hotel Room" shows a vulnerable woman, stripped down to her undergarments, head facing down and in shadows. Sorrow and a deep sense of contemplation comes from the image. The figure is holding a letter, almost hinting at the reason behind her traveling. I was left with a feeling that she had received some news via that letter, and was traveling in response to it. There is a definite beauty in the sense of fragility that emanates from her, and the painting has a very emotional feel to it.

"Motel Room" sharply contrasts "Western Motel" because it depicts a strong and very independent image of a woman. She is firmly facing the viewer, almost expressionless, face clear and well lit. A sense of empowerment comes from her, and if she has any vulnerability, it is well hidden. Her clothing is on, even her shoes, offering a sort of armor around her. She drives a car, travels alone, and the reason behind her trip is not hinted at in the least bit. This painting feels more like a snapshot of time, a photograph-like illustration of a solitary moment, which is a theme that runs throughout much of Hopper's work.