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Ground Swell, Edward Hopper, 1939

Edward Hopper ( 1882 - 1967), Ground Swell, 1939, oil on canvas, Collection National Gallery of Art, Washington

 

This painting is one of my favorites. The catboat, the sail eased, drifting close to the bell buoy, the young folk on board fascinated by the swinging and clinging bell. The long waves changing colour that indicates the shallows for which the buoy warns. The boat with it's shallow draft can sail over the banks, but in an instant will be lifted and heeled over. The helmsman is prepared and holds the rudder firmly, the muscles in his right arm stressed.

The clouds give this masterpiece a tremendous depth.

There is an undefinable sense of danger in the air. It is 1939.

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Uploaded on November 3, 2019