“The Cat Boat” is an etching by artist Edward Hopper, created in 1922. As a part of the New Realism art movement, this artwork exemplifies Hopper’s attention to detail and his interest in maritime subjects. With dimensions of 20.3 x 25.4 cm, this etching falls under the genre of marina and is housed in the Smithsonian American Art Museum located in Washington, DC, United States.
The artwork portrays a sailboat at sea with its sails fully billowed by the wind. The perspective is such that it appears the viewer is observing the scene from a nearby boat or the water level, offering a close and dynamic view of the vessel. The etching is rich with texture, and the water is depicted with noticeably rough waves, suggesting a moment of intense movement. The composition has two figures positioned at the stern: one seems to be managing the tiller while the other appears to engage actively, perhaps in adjusting the sails or balancing the boat. The expressions and details of the figures are not distinctly visible, prompting a focus on the overall interaction between the boat and the natural elements. The contrast between the light sails and the dark, tumultuous sea adds a dramatic effect, capturing the essence of the experience of sailing. The artwork is filled with a sense of immediacy, tangible in the etched lines that convey the motions and turbulence of the maritime scene.
