Cat Boat by Edward Hopper

Cat Boat

Edward Hopper · 1922

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“Stop and observe this etching of a cat boat, where the crisp lines and stark contrasts capture a moment of solitary activity on the water, inviting reflection on the quiet beauty of maritime life.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This etching, "Cat Boat," captures a moment of quiet industry on the water. A lone figure stands near the bow of a small sailboat, seemingly engaged in some task, while a second boat, its sail furled, drifts in the background. The scene is rendered with a stark clarity, typical of etchings, where the interplay of light and shadow defines the forms and textures. The water, etched with parallel lines, suggests gentle movement, reflecting the boats and the subtle light from above. This work, created in 1922, shows a fascination with the maritime world, a recurring theme in American art of the period, reflecting a connection to coastal life and the solitary beauty of the sea.

DETAILS
Artist
Edward Hopper
Date
1922
Medium
Etching
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Plate: 7 13/16 x 9 13/16 in. (19.9 x 25 cm)
Collection
Drawings and Prints
Credit line
Harris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1925
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What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Cat Boat
01

The single figure at the front of the boat, stooping over something unseen.

02

The way the etched lines create the illusion of rippling water.

03

The furled sail on the boat in the background, a study in quietude.

04

The distinct shadows cast by the boats on the water's surface.

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THE ARTIST

Edward Hopper

1882–1967 · United States

Painter of 'Nighthawks' who captured the isolation and drama of modern American life in luminous, cinematic scenes.

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