The Railroad
The Railroad
Artist
Edward Hopper
(1882 - 1967)
Date1922
MediumEtching
Dimensions8 × 10 in. (20.3 × 25.4 cm)
Sheet: 11 1/2 × 13 1/2 in. (29.2 × 34.3 cm)
Framed: 15 1/8 in. × 17 in. × 1 in.
Sheet: 11 1/2 × 13 1/2 in. (29.2 × 34.3 cm)
Framed: 15 1/8 in. × 17 in. × 1 in.
ClassificationsPrint
Credit LineCrystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, 2012.207
Signedl.r.: Edward Hopper
Accession number
2012.207
On View
Not on viewLabel TextHopper's etching The Railroad alludes to the changing character of rural America caused by industrialization and the railroad. The railroad is an important theme in Hopper's work, often illustrating the fast-paced modern times. Here railroad tracks cut through a rural, hilly area with a group of identical houses on the left. Telegraph poles, another symbol of progress, are lined up along the tracks. A railroad man, the sole human figure in this composition, appears in the darkness, hinting at the hard and often dangerous working conditions for these laborers. The isolated figure depicted next to the railroad tracks also contributes to the atmosphere of silence, characteristic for Hopper's work.
The dark, gritty scene, sketch-like rendering, and work-related subject reflect Ashcan School influences. Like his other prints and paintings, this etching is based on a preliminary drawing (Philadelphia Museum of Art).
Inscribedverso, on frame, u.r.c., in pencil: 2012.207
Markingsverso, on frame, u.r.c., black print on yellow sticker: A PG 15439 D
verso, u.r.c., black print on yellow sticker: A PG 15439 D
verso, c., black print on white sticker: [Hirschl & Adler Galleries Inc. gallery label]
verso, l.l.c., black print on white sticker: Frame Temp Services / Your work of art is protected by a sheet of clear Acrylic Plexiglass / To clean, use soft cloth with alcohol and water or window cleaner / Do not use soap, detergent, or cleaners containing Ammonia / UF-3
verso, on frame, l.c., black print on taped white paper: 76 / HOPPER EDWARD / THE RAILROAD / 1928
