Les Deux Pigeons

Les Deux Pigeons is an intimate print created by Edward Hopper in 1920. This early work is executed as an etching in black on wove paper, a medium the artist favored during the 1910s and 1920s before he fully dedicated himself to oil painting. The etching technique, characterized by precise lines and tonal control, allowed Hopper to explore chiaroscuro and atmospheric effects on a small scale. Falling within the period of 1901 to 1925, this piece reflects the rising prominence of American prints as a vital mode of modern artistic expression, often addressing themes of urban life and architectural isolation.

While the specific visual details of Les Deux Pigeons are inferred from its title—The Two Pigeons—the work employs the structural economy and careful manipulation of light that are hallmarks of Hopper’s emerging style. Hopper utilized the delicate, sharp lines of the etching needle and the resulting rich black ink to define forms with precision, lending the scene an air of quiet geometry. Even in these early prints, Hopper demonstrates his fascination with moments of stillness and observation, capturing the specific mood of a subject rather than simply depicting its appearance.

This piece serves as a significant example of Hopper’s technical mastery and thematic consistency during his transitional years. The quality and emotional resonance achieved through the limited palette of black and white reveal the rigorous foundation that would underpin his mature canvases. As a key component of American culture from this era, the print offers scholars crucial insight into the artist’s methodology and evolution. Les Deux Pigeons is preserved in the permanent collections of the National Gallery of Art, where it contributes to a comprehensive representation of modern American art.