“Cape Cod Afternoon” is an artwork completed by Edward Hopper in 1936, exemplifying the New Realism art movement. Crafted using oil on canvas, the piece measures 86.4 by 127.16 cm. This cityscape genre of painting resides in the Carnegie Museum of Art located in Pittsburgh, PA, the United States.
The artwork portrays a tranquil and somewhat isolated scene typical of Hopper’s style, capturing the essence of American life and architecture during the early 20th century. The foreground is dominated by vibrant, lush green grass that suggests the vitality of nature even in the presence of human habitation. Two prominent houses occupy the middle ground — one with dark roofing and obscured details, the other white and seemingly well-kept with clear architectural features and visible windows reflecting the sunlight.
The contrast is evident not only in the color palette but also in the state of the two structures, with one appearing aged and the other more pristine. This juxtaposition may be interpreted as a commentary on the passage of time and the varying states of human dwellings as they age and interact with the surrounding environment. A notable absence of human figures adds a layer of solitude and contemplation to the scene.
In the background, a bright sky with wispy clouds offers a sense of openness and the passage of the afternoon hours, reinforcing the atmosphere of silence and introspection that often characterizes Hopper’s work. The play of light and shadow, a signature element in Hopper’s artwork, creates depth and highlights the structural forms of the scene. Through his masterful use of light, Hopper invites viewers to explore themes of solitude and the subtle beauty of the everyday landscape.
