In a 2017 press release, the Edward Hopper House announced that it would receive over 1,000 artifacts and memorabilia documenting Edward Hopper’s family life and early years. The collection “consists of juvenilia and other materials from the formative years of Hopper’s life and includes original letters, drawings from his school years … photographs, original newspaper articles, and other items that allow visitors to experience firsthand how Hopper’s childhood and home environment shaped his art.”
Above you can find Exhibit A from the collection. A picture that young Hopper, only 9 years old, drew on the back of his 3rd grade report card in 1891. A sure early sign of his talents.
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What a great sketch, thank you for sharing. All talent notwithstanding, I’m sceptical that this is the work of a 9‑year old. Do we know if this has been dated diligently? Thank you.
I must ask to what extent it has been verified that Hopper was age 9 when this was drawn — it looks like an adult or at least older conception of a young person’s experience. He could’ve done it at 14 or 17 or later. Thanks for any info you might have.
Exactly — just because it’s on the back of a 3rd grade report card doesn’t necessarily mean it was drawn at that time. I think a child might sign his work ‘Edward Hopper’ rather than simply ‘Hopper’.
Did Hopper himself verify the date of this?