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Archives of American Art
Oral history interview with Edward Hopper
Summary
- Collection ID:
- AAA.hopper59
- Creators:
-
Hopper, Edward, 1882-1967Morse, John D., 1906-
- Dates:
-
1959 June 17
- Languages:
-
English.
- Physical Description:
-
1 Sound tape reelSound recording3 3/4 ips.7 in.12 PagesTranscript
- Repository:
Scope and Contents
Scope and Contents
An interview of Edward Hopper conducted 17 June 1959, by John D. Morse, for the Archives of American Art.
Scope and Contents
This interview was conducted in the Board Room of the Whitney Museum. The interview begins with the reading of Mr. Hopper's 1933 "Notes on Painting" in which Hopper states that the aim of painting is to create the most exact transcription of the most intimate impression of nature. Mr. Hopper then speaks of his change of feelings since the publication of this statement; his realization that the return to nature which he had prophesied has not yet occurred; his move towards realism despite contemporary abstraction (citing Eakins similar position in the 17th century); techniques on canvas and use of zinc; his decision to avoid protective varnishes in the belief that it is the responsibility of the owner to keep the works preserved; his success as a subconscious result of his painting honestly; the belief that "Apartment Houses" crystallized his style from thenceforth. Mr. Hopper then reads a statement that was published in Reality magazine in 1953 in which Hopper posits that art is an outward expression of inner life. In an addendum, John Morse states that a ledger of all of Mr. Hopper's works, catalogue dates, and prices exists.Hopper reads from two statements on art written for other purposes. He also comments on the materials he uses, why he choses some of the subjects he does, and his predictions about the future of American art.
Biographical / Historical
Biographical / Historical
Edward Hopper, (b. 1882; d. 1967), painter of New York, N.Y.
Administration
Immediate Source of Acquisition
This interview is part of the Archives' Oral History Program, started in 1958 to document the history of the visual arts in the United States, primarily through interviews with artists, historians, dealers, critics and others.
Digital Content
Using the Collection
Conditions Governing Access
Transcript available on the Archives of American Art website.
Keywords
Keyword Terms | Keyword Types | ||
---|---|---|---|
Painters -- New York (State) -- Interviews | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Painting, Modern -- 20th century | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Realism | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Painting -- Technique | Topical | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Sound recordings | Genre Form | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Interviews | Genre Form | Search Smithsonian Collections | Search ArchiveGrid |
Archives of American Art
750 9th Street, NW
Victor Building, Suite 2200
Washington, D.C. 20001
https://www.aaa.si.edu/services/questions