Sailing (1911 CE)

Edward Hopper’s Sailing is a captivating early work that invites viewers into the serene yet dynamic world of a sailboat gliding across the open sea. This oil painting, with its vivid interplay of light, color, and texture, captures the essence of the American seascape through Hopper’s masterful realist lens. The low horizon and expansive ocean evoke a sense of calm solitude, making it a striking introduction to Hopper’s lifelong fascination with marine motifs.

Created in 1911, Sailing marks an important milestone in Edward Hopper’s career as his first sold oil painting. Hopper, who was a prominent figure in American realism, painted this work at the age of 29, reflecting his early influences from his childhood in Nyack, New York, a bustling port town along the Hudson River. The painting was exhibited at the groundbreaking Armory Show of 1913 in New York City, a pivotal event that introduced modern art to American audiences and showcased emerging artists like Hopper. The sale of Sailing during this exhibition for $250 to collector Thomas F. Vietor was a significant moment, affirming Hopper’s potential as a professional artist.

One fascinating anecdote about the artwork is its role as Hopper’s debut in the art market. As his first sold oil painting, it represented a turning point, providing both financial and professional validation. Additionally, Hopper’s deep connection to the sea stemmed from his upbringing in Nyack, where he observed shipyards and sailing vessels, and later from his summers in South Truro, Massachusetts, where he built a studio in 1934. This lifelong affinity for marine environments is palpable in Sailing, where the artist’s textured brushstrokes vividly convey the motion of the waves. 

American realism was a movement that sought to depict everyday life with clarity and emotional resonance. The painting exemplifies Hopper’s ability to infuse ordinary scenes with profound atmosphere, a hallmark of his later works like Nighthawks (1942). As a marine painting, it contributes to the tradition of seascape art, emphasizing the vastness and beauty of the natural world. 

Sailing is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 61 x 75 cm (24 x 29.5 inches). Hopper employed textured, rapid brushstrokes to render the ocean’s surface in shades of blue and white, creating a sense of movement. The white sail contrasts sharply against the blue sky, with light and shadow playing across its surface to suggest the boat’s motion. The low horizon line enhances the composition’s expansiveness, while the minimal detailing of figures in the boat keeps the focus on the seascape. The use of oil allowed Hopper to achieve rich color contrasts and luminous effects, showcasing his early technical prowess.

The provenance of Sailing is well-documented, beginning with its purchase by Thomas F. Vietor for $250 at the 1913 Armory Show. Subsequently, it was owned by Frank K. M. Rehn in 1952, followed by Mr. and Mrs. James H. Beal. The painting was later donated by the Beals to the Carnegie Museum of Art in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where it remains part of the permanent collection.