Description
In “New York Restaurant” by Hopper, you get a snapshot of the city that would look right at home in any age. Painted only a year before Hopper’s breakthrough as an artist, this 1922 work portrays a crowded high-end restaurant during a busy lunchtime hour. The American realist was known for using light to create a specific atmosphere, and here he brightens the areas away from the restaurant tables, leaving the human figures in relative darkness. The result is that both couples feel isolated even as they’re together, wordlessly focusing on their meals without eye contact. Although it was painted during the glamour of the Roaring ’20s, “New York Restaurant” has a timeless quality. The attire, objects and architecture feel like they would belong in the 2020s as much as the 1920s. Where the people are coming from and going is secondary to its tranquil look at a fleeting moment. This faithful recreation will add the same calmness to your home or office as you find a moment to pause amidst the hustle and bustle.
