Edward Hopper’s “Model in Towel, Sitting on Box,” created in 1902, is an oil on canvas work that exemplifies the New Realism movement. Sized at 71.12 x 66.04 cm, this genre painting is part of a private collection and captures a scene from everyday life with remarkable authenticity and detail.
The artwork presents a lone female figure seated on a cubic form, presumably a box. Her posture is relaxed yet contemplative, as she drapes herself with a towel, which covers her torso while revealing her legs. The light source illuminates her upper body, drawing attention to her form and the expression of introspection on her face. The brushwork reflects a keen observation of light and shadow, adding depth and realism to the composition.
In the background, a partially obscured easel hints at an artistic setting, perhaps a studio where the subject is posing for a painting. The dark backdrop serves to highlight the figure, focusing the viewer’s attention on the subtleties of her pose and the tactile qualities of the fabric. Despite the simplicity of the setting, Hopper’s treatment of the subject matter conveys a powerful sense of the individual’s presence and inner life.
