Office at Night - 1940 - by Edward Hopper - 1298

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Office at Night, 1940 by Edward Hopper. Entry in Brian Strand's Contest 4th April 2024

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You can walk right into this image. Stand there near the typewriter if you like. Edward Hopper has allowed plenty of room. Although he has filled the space very well, As it is a small office, and her desk is also there. It suits the feeling of closeness without being cramped. A secretary, back in the day was a sort after position. She aimed to please her boss and be dutiful. In a professional manner we presume, don’t we? She has a wonderful figure. That dress shows it off so well. Look, he is pretending he hasn’t noticed, Obviously she knew they would be working back tonight. Her hair is formed so perfectly, The removal of one comb, it will fall freely over her shoulders. Tumbling around her opulent breasts. Her lipstick obviously refreshed since morning, Is she waiting to pick up that paper on the floor? Waiting for him to point his attention her way? Do we feel she is being provocative, is he about to make a move? His silence seems deafening. Her slight tapping on the filing cabinet hasn’t budged his gaze, The open window is allowing night noises to fade her attempts. As you stand there near the typewriter, Do you wonder what’s next? I think Edward Hopper meant you to wonder. Even maybe depict a scenario in your imagination. The silence between the two, is deemed a trademark of the artist. But one can almost hear the two 'thinking.' I guess I have said my piece about this painting, Because as Edward once said: “If you could say it, there would be no reason for him to paint it.“