Office in a Small City, 1953Edward Hopper (American, 1882–1967)Oil on canvas; 28 x 40 in. (71.

Office in a Small City, 1953
Edward Hopper (American, 1882–1967)
Oil on canvas; 28 x 40 in. (71.1 x 101.6 cm)

Hopper achieves a very soothing, calm, isolated balance in this piece. The balance is achieve by proportioning the very light and dark elements. While the lighter elements such as the whites and blues take up a larger amount of space they are smooth and easy on the eyes. While the darker elements contain a variety of visual noise that draws your eyes to them, while not over powering the more negative space. This creates a great asymmetrical balance of color, shape, and texture.