Gas by Edward Hopper - 1940 - 66.7 × 102.2 cm Museum of Modern Art Gas by Edward Hopper - 1940 - 66.7 × 102.2 cm Museum of Modern Art

Gas

Oil on canvas • 66.7 × 102.2 cm

  • Edward Hopper - July 22, 1882 - May 15, 1967 Edward Hopper

    1940

Edward Hopper was a master of transforming ordinary things (such as a roadside filling station) into quietly haunting scenes. As evening falls, a lone attendant prepares the pumps beneath bright electric lights, while the road disappears into the gathering darkness. The contrast between the station and the surrounding forest creates a sense of tension and uncertainty that has become one of Hopper's trademarks.

To create this painting, Hopper combined elements from several gas stations he had encountered during his travels across America. It reflects a recurring theme in his work: the meeting of modern life and the natural world.

Stories like this one are featured in our 2027 Weekly Desk Calendar, where you'll find this masterpiece and many more fascinating artworks to enjoy throughout the year.  :)

P.S. Discover Edward Hopper through 10 paintings that reveal why he is one of America’s most celebrated artists!