Edward Hopper’s Compartment C Car 293 is a small painting that captures the modern life and one of Hopper’s favorite themes, travelling by train. The painting depicts a woman seated in a train compartment looking out the window. She seems to be involved in herself and appears to be in a frame of mind to escape something.
Hopper’s people give the impression of trying to get their lives straight, which is evident in this painting as well. The artwork demonstrates an analogous color scheme with its two color wheels that adds visual interest into this piece. As part of a series of Window paintings by Hopper, it showcases his mastery in painting light and forms on glass objects.
The artwork is part of IBM Corporation Art Collection in Armonk, NY, where it can be viewed as part of its exhibition. While small in size, its vivid portrayal invites the viewer to feel captured within the shared space – transported back to almost 80 years ago where railway transportation has been an integral means for people’s mobility around cities and countries worldwide.
