Edward Hopper’s artwork “House at the Fort, Gloucester,” created in 1924, is a watercolor cityscape that exemplifies the New Realism art movement. Measuring 33.9 by 49.6 cm, this piece is currently housed in the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
The artwork presents a stark yet serene portrait of domestic architecture in the coastal town of Gloucester. The composition centers on a weathered, two-story house, rendered with sober hues that evoke a sense of solidity and tranquility. With no visible human presence, the scene conveys a quiet, almost contemplative mood, underscored by the interplay of light and shadow which Hopper manages deftly through his use of watercolor. The rocky outcrop and adjacent structures contribute to the composition, framing the main dwelling and adding to the artwork’s narrative of place and time. The sea, visible in the background, hints at the proximity of the town to the water and the maritime activities that likely shape its character. This work portrays the essence of its locale with Hopper’s characteristic attention to form, light, and the emotional resonance of everyday scenes.
