The artwork titled “Valley of the Seine” was created by Edward Hopper in 1909. This oil on canvas painting captures the essence of landscape art and is associated with the New Realism movement. The piece measures 71.12 x 66.04 cm and is housed at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, NY, USA.
The artwork presents a serene and extensive view of the Seine Valley. Dominating the foreground is an aqueduct with grand arches, beneath which tiny, vibrant figures can be seen, suggesting the scale and expanse of the structure compared to human presence. Beyond the aqueduct, a patchwork of warm-hued towns nestles along the riverbank, emphasizing the coexistence of man-made dwellings with the natural environment. The river gracefully meanders into the distance, leading the eye to the softly rolling hills that fade into the horizon. The sky, portrayed with broad strokes in an array of blues and subtle whites, adds depth and atmosphere to the scene. The painting balances elements of naturalism with a sense of tranquility, without the intrusion of modern industrialization. It is typical of Hopper’s early work, exhibiting his interest in the play of light and shadow and his inclination towards tranquil, yet subtly evocative, environments.
