The artwork titled “Houses of Squam Light, Gloucester” is a creation by the renowned artist Edward Hopper, dating back to 1923. Executed in watercolor on paper, this piece is a poignant example of the New Realism art movement. The artwork measures 44.29 cm in height and 28.6 cm in width and falls under the cityscape genre. It can be viewed at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) located in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
In the artwork, we observe a serene portrayal of two houses situated in a coastal setting. The scene is rendered with a clear light and a palette that conveys the crispness of the seaside atmosphere. The primary house, which occupies the central part of the composition, possesses a white exterior with dark roofing, complemented by a vibrant red chimney that stands out against the muted tones of the sky. Adjacent to the main structure is another building, its simplicity and the sharp contrast of its white siding against its dark roof echoes the aesthetic of the larger home.
The landscape surrounding the houses is characterized by rugged rocks and soft greenery, suggesting a natural, perhaps even rugged terrain. Hopper’s use of fluid brushwork in depicting the grass and sky provides a sense of movement, while the bold outlines of the buildings portray a sense of solidity and permanence. The vast sky above, scattered with a few clouds, conveys a sense of timelessness and tranquility. Hopper’s meticulous attention to light and shadow adds depth and realism to the scene, embodying the very essence of New Realism through the depiction of everyday structures within the American landscape.
