Edward Hopper studied at the New York School of Art with Robert Henri and William M Chase from 1900-1906. Hopper was a true 20th century American Realist who produced stark compositions meant to reflect the isolation of modern life. He established a studio in 1910 in New York City and worked as a commercial artist until the '20s. Hopper is best known for his subject matter; a lone individual in front of an open window or several people together but lost in thought which evoke a sense of loneliness and longing. Hopper exhibited his work in the 1913 Armory Show and then abandoned painting for the next 10 years. His work proceeding this break shows bright color but with no warmth, creating a somber mood. Horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines are precise but abstracted. "Early Morning Sunday" (1930) is a good example of these techniques. It shows a row of two story brick houses in a cold morning light with only the barber pole and hydrant on the street, making a statement about urban barrenness.

Biography courtesy of The Caldwell Gallery, www.antiquesandfineart.com/caldwell