“Cove at Ogunquit,” a painting by Edward Hopper dated 1914, is an oil on canvas artwork that measures 62.2 x 74.6 cm. Created in the Impressionist style, this landscape genre painting is part of the collection at the Whitney Museum of American Art, located in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork showcases a serene coastal scene perceived through the unique lens of Edward Hopper. It depicts a tranquil cove, presumably located in Ogunquit, featuring a rugged coastline under a wide expanse of sky. The viewer’s eye is drawn to the cool blue waters, dotted with several small boats that gently float, suggesting a quiet day at sea. The warm browns and earthy tones of the rocks and landforms contrast with the blue sky and sea, adding depth and visual interest to the piece. The brushstrokes exhibit a liquidity that captures the movement of water and the airy feel of the marine environment. Hopper’s use of light, as seen in the sunlight bathing the scene, creates vivid contrasts and enhances the sense of atmospheric realism. This painting, while Impressionistic in technique, carries the seeds of Hopper’s characteristic style that would later define his more well-known works, which often convey a sense of solitude and introspection.
