Module 4

Edward Hopper, Nighthawks, 1942, oil on canvas, 84.1 x 152.4 cm / 33-1/8 x 60″ (Art Institute of Chicago)

                                                    https://smarthistory.org/hopper-nighthawks/

This piece is called Nighthawks, by Edward Hopper. This painting looks to be set in a city or urban area late at night. There are four people sitting inside of what seems to be a dinner or a bar. The inside of the establishment is bright and full of light, while the outside is dark. This painting was made during the peek of World War 2, which makes me feel like that is why the streets are empty and dark, and its light where there is company and conversation. I see this painting showing how the War emphasizes the importance of interacting with others, and how important it is not to take the little things for granted. The most interesting part of this painting to me is the characters inside the building. It seems that the couple sitting down are having a pleasant conversation with the staff member. They seem to be enjoying their time and each other's company. I also notice the gentleman on the left is sitting by himself, and seems to be disconnected from the conversation. This painting takes place during WW2, so I get a feeling that maybe the man is dealing with a hard time, maybe the loss of a loved one? Maybe he finds refuge in the establishment, and finds some sort of comfort there. I say this because of the cold and dark feelings that I get when looking outside of the building and towards the streets. It's empty, people are gone, the war has changed what once was. Another aspect of the painting is that there is no door to the building, we could not get if we wanted to. I think that it means that we can see others, but we can never truly know what someone is going through, until we actually get access to them and their heart.

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