The artwork entitled “Sunday” was painted by Edward Hopper in 1926. This oil on canvas exemplifies New Realism and belongs to the genre painting category, often showcasing scenes from everyday life. It is part of Hopper’s ‘Window’ paintings series, and the piece measures 86.36 by 73.66 centimeters. The painting resides in a private collection.
An inspection of the artwork reveals a quiet, urban scene. A solitary figure of a man is seated on the curb outside a row of storefronts, which appear closed, suggesting the stillness typically associated with a Sunday. The man is dressed in a white shirt with rolled-up sleeves, dark trousers, and a vest; his arms are crossed, and he seems lost in thought. His seemingly contemplative state contrasts with the bright and sharp architectural lines of the buildings surrounding him, as sunlight and shadow play across the tableau. The artwork’s palette is subdued, with an emphasis on earth tones punctuated by the vibrant yellows of the building’s facade. The man’s stark white shirt draws the viewer’s eye to his figure, emphasizing his presence against the shadowy background.
Hopper’s meticulous attention to the interplay of light and shadow, as well as his portrayal of solitude amidst the built environment, evocatively captures a specific moment in time, resonant with a sense of reflective quietude.