Edward Hopper’s 1928 watercolor painting, Prospect Street, Gloucester, depicts an everyday scene of buildings on a street corner in the town. Bold lines and shadows on the structures reflect the influence of sea captains in the area. Hopper was interested in exploring the borderline between public and private space, which is evident in this painting. This psychological trope of Modernism is seen in how the scene depicts a small slice of everyday life that is both recognizable and distant.
The painting’s watercolor medium adds to its ability to capture moments in time subtly. It is simultaneously loyal to its location while transcendent of its mundane subject matter. The play between light and shade creates a sense of isolation within a densely populated area.
Apart from this work, Edward Hopper also created many other notable paintings such as Nighthawks, Luncheonette, and Chop Suey painted within his New York studio environment. However, as he preferred to paint everyday scenes of houses rather than ships or waterfronts like other artists focused on those subjects.
In 2007 at an auction where it was sold for over 105% above mid-estimate confirmed this artwork’s significance as one that appeals to art collectors and enthusiasts alike despite its understated subject matter.
