The artwork “Deck of a Beam Trawler, Gloucester” by Edward Hopper, created in 1923, is a watercolor representing the New Realism art movement. Measuring 29.8 by 45.7 cm, this maritime genre piece resides in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork presents a detailed and realistic view of the deck of a beam trawler, a type of fishing vessel. Hopper’s composition draws attention to the various elements that define the maritime setting, with careful rendering of the ship’s equipment and features. The color palette primarily consists of muted blues, grays, and earth tones, contributing to a calm and sober atmosphere. The painting captures the interplay of light and shadow effectively, enhancing the sense of depth and the tactile quality of the surfaces, including the wood, metal, and rope depicted on the deck. The perspective is composed in a way that leads the viewer’s eye across the deck, taking in each piece of equipment and the various forms and structures of the boat. The sky above is depicted with broad, wash-like strokes, suggesting a clear day. Hopper’s meticulous attention to the nuances of light and structure is evident, manifesting his interest in the quiet drama and geometry of everyday scenes.
