The Unforgettable Scene in Edward Hopper’s ‘Automat’

Why this painting still resonates today

Automat (1927) by Edward Hopper. Oil on canvas. 91.4 × 71.4 cm. Des Moines Art Center, Des Moines, IA, U.S. Image source WikiArt (fair use)

A solitary woman sits in a cafe staring at her cup of coffee. Her hat and coat tell us that the night outside is cold. The detail of her gloves — one removed, the other still on her hand — seems to suggest that this is an impromptu visit and that she is uncertain how long she will stay.