Edward Hopper: Compare/Contrast

When first glancing at an artwork, it is easy to think we are seeing it all but in order to compare two images, one must look a bit further to see not only the similarities, but the differences too. Windows are a recurring theme in Edward Hopper’s work, whether it is a view from the inside or the outside. From his early works right up until his death, at various points the window and different kinds of lighting were used to portray different negative shapes, moods, and time of day. In this case, Evening Wind, an etching from 1921 and Morning Sun, an oil painting from 1952, both are set indoors. Both works are quite similar at a quick glance but have many differences when further analyzed. Evening Wind is an earlier print and therefore leads me to believe it had a great influence on Hopper’s later works including Morning Sun due to its compositional arrangements and subject matter. These two pieces share a feeling of two individuals wanting to be a part of the outside world, but not knowing how to accomplish it.

Both images look very similar because of the placement of the subjects. The window is on the right side and the bed is positioned to the left. Each image depicts a female figure on a bed, both mysterious and looking out the window. It is not clear what they are viewing through the window or why. The woman in the etching is knelt on the edge of the bed, her face covered

by her hair. She appears to be wearing no clothing, which gives the piece a subtle erotic feeling.

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It seems she was just woken from her sleep to close the window or has just opened it and is preparing to sleep. In Morning Sun, the figure is sitting on the center of the bed, staring intently out the window. Her lack of clothing makes her seem vulnerable. Her body language tells us she is contemplating something because she is cradling her knees with her arms. Her expression is harsh looking, like she is deep in thought. The same feeling is not evoked from the woman in...