The artwork “First Branch of the White River, Vermont” created by Edward Hopper in 1938, is a watercolor landscape that embraces the aesthetic principles of New Realism. The piece measures 55.2 by 68.3 centimeters and is part of the collection at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork captures a serene and verdant landscape depicting a segment of the White River as it meanders through the lush greenery of Vermont. The composition is characterized by a strong interplay of light and shadow, with the vivid blues of the water reflecting the surrounding foliage and the sky. Hopper’s mastery of watercolor is evident in the fluidity of the brushstrokes, bringing vitality to the trees and the varied topography. The painting exhibits a sense of tranquility while simultaneously displaying the artist’s skill in portraying the natural beauty and realistic essence of the landscape, consistent with the ideals of the New Realism movement.
