The artwork “From Williamsburg Bridge,” created by Edward Hopper in 1928, is an oil on canvas representation that belongs to the New Realism art movement. Measuring 73.7 cm in height by 109.2 cm in width, this cityscape is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, New York, United States. The artwork offers a realistic depiction that captures a slice of urban life during the early 20th century.
In the artwork, the viewer observes a segment of the cityscape as seen from the Williamsburg Bridge, focusing on the architectural details of the buildings in the foreground. The composition is marked by a clear delineation of forms and a restrained color palette, characteristics often noted in Hopper’s work. The buildings display a variety of windows, ornamental design elements, and fire escapes, giving insight into the functional aspects of urban structures of the era.
Noticeable too is Hopper’s use of light and shadow, which adds depth and a sense of realism to the scene. The sky, with wisps of clouds, implies a specific time of day and weather condition, further enhancing the mood of the scene. Despite the absence of human figures, there is a sense of presence—perhaps a contemplative reflection on urban solitude and the anonymity of city life.
