barber shop edward hopper

barber shop edward hopperIn Hopper's Barber Shop, we are spectators of a scene from everyday life in a hairdressing salon. The intimate setting is enhanced by the soft light pouring through the window, illuminating the characters and their actions. A barber is focused on his task, carefully trimming the beard of an unseen customer reflected in the mirror, while a woman, perhaps a secretary or employee, is immersed in her reading, accentuating an air of tranquillity and daily

depicts rose bushes in full bloom

diffuse light accentuates the coldness of the urban surfaces and the feeling of isolation

Fascinated by the exploration of the "sense of space"

does not lack disturbing elements

The painter did not seek photographic accuracy

Their pure forms and graceful postures are emphasised

The geometric shapes and colour contrasts emphasise the architectural structure of the scene

evoking a peaceful

while a dinghy with several crew members is in the foreground

symbolic motifs

the painter made 250 different versions of this painting

though small and sketchy