The artwork “Drug Store” by Edward Hopper, created in 1927, exemplifies the New Realism art movement. This oil on canvas depicts a cityscape and is held within the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), Boston. The dimensions of this work are 101.92 by 73.66 cm. Hopper’s piece is a portrayal of an American urban environment, specifically capturing the exterior of a pharmacy at night.
Upon examination of the artwork, one notices Hopper’s adept use of lighting and shadow to imbue the scene with a sense of quietude and introspection. The central focus is the pharmacy’s brightly lit window, inviting the viewer’s gaze into the contents displayed within. The window advertises “PRESCRIPTIONS DRUGS EX-LAX,” indicating the nature of the business. The bold, capitalized lettering on the awning and the hanging pharmaceutical signs, such as the mortar and pestle, further establish the setting.
Hopper’s application of subdued and contrasting colors creates a mood that is at once both warm and isolating, a hallmark of his style. The absence of human figures contributes to the sense of solitude and stillness, a recurring theme in his work. The viewer is left to contemplate the narrative behind this urban tableau, which is rendered with a meticulous attention to detail and a strong sense of architectural form. This piece not only captures a moment in time but also evokes a reflective response to the hustle and bustle of city life that has momentarily paused.