The artwork “Sailing” by Edward Hopper was created in 1911, encapsulating the essence of American Realism. This oil on canvas measures 20.3 by 25.4 cm and is currently housed at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. It falls within the genre of marine art, a descriptor that remains consistent with its nautical theme.
“Sailing” portrays a sailboat at sea, its crisp white sail billowing against a blue sky. The sea is depicted with quick, textured brushstrokes in varying shades of blue and white, indicating movement in the water. The horizon line is low and defined, separating the dark water from the light sky, showcasing Hopper’s adept use of contrast and color to render the seascape. There is a visible sense of tranquility yet dynamic movement within the artwork, as evidenced by the interaction of light and shadow on the sail and throughout the composition. The figures present in the sailboat are minimally detailed, allowing the viewer’s focus to remain on the overall form of the boat and the vast surroundings it sails within. Hopper’s careful balancing of form, color, and light exemplifies the principles of the American Realism movement, through which artists sought to portray everyday subjects with a sense of clarity and truth.
