Edward Hopper: The Story of His Life

by Sergio Rossi, Giovanni Scarduelli

A brilliant graphic novel that traces the life and work of Edward Hopper, one of America's most acclaimed artists.

This groundbreaking graphic novel delves into the life of the acclaimed artist Edward Hooper, whose iconic works depict quintessentially American scenes and experiences. While many of Hopper's most acclaimed works have been embraced by American culture, the artist himself rejected much of the lyricism and romance that his audience imposed on his paintings. This unique overview of Hopper's life and career offers a fascinating and unflinching portrait of an artist trying to establish himself and define his own style. Using Hopper's own words as a jumping off point, the book traces his roots as an art student and commercial illustrator; his life-changing time in Europe; his rocky relationship with his wife Jo, and his incredible success later in life. It also shows how, as he became increasingly famous, he grew more taciturn and resolute in his disparagement of American society and the labels thrust on him. Using clean lines and a palette that mimics Hopper's own, the book's illustrations reflect the style and substance of the artist's life--and help create a refreshing reconsideration of a creative genius who never wavered from his vision.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Art, Nonfiction, Biography, Comics, New York

128 pages, Hardcover

Published March 23, 2021

About the author

Sergio Rossi (Perugia, 1970) è un fisico che lavora nell’editoria sia come curatore di libri, sia come studioso, traduttore e storico del Fumetto. Scrive romanzi e racconti per ragazzi, libri di divulgazione scientifica e di storia del Fumetto.

Reviews

[Dakota Morgan]

A decent little biography of Edward Hopper in which he narrates his life story via a conversation with his wife. You get a taste of his grumpiness, but not much more in terms of inner life. Giovanni Scarduelli works hard on the art front to replicate Hopper's style, though it's not always clear whether we're seeing a scene from Hopper's life or a reproduction of Hopper's art. Overall, could have used more clarity. Still a solid primer for a more robust biography or exploration of Hopper's art.

[Deborah]

The illustrator created Edward Hopper’s essence by using the style and colors of the painter in this graphic biography, which I really appreciated. However, it felt like I merely had a peripheral view of his art. I wanted to see the actual works of the painter and looked elsewhere to view. Also, the authors portrayed his life as a conversation between Edward and his wife, which while effectively demonstrated their troubled but loving and lengthy relationship both emotionally and through art, weakened the story. I felt a disconnect and then wondered if it was done on purpose.

At age 40, Edward married the painter Jo Nivison, who gave up her career to support her husband’s ambitions. They were married for 40 years and never had children. Edward Hopper (1882 - 1967) was a famous twentieth century realist painter who painted in a realistic urban melancholic style using light and horizontal lines. His paintings were of isolation, disconnection, and “the solitude of modern life.” Using the surrounding elements, he painted from his soul to create an America of his imagination. His most famous work is “Nighthawks” of a man and a couple seated at a diner being attended by a server in the loneliness of the evening. 3.5 stars

[Ashley]

Fun and informative graphic novel, with excellent art

[Justine Le Goas]

I wish the book gave more insights on the inner and outer life of the artist - as the author states in the foreword Hopper’s life was actually quite long. It gives information on the evolution of his style but merely in terms of reaction to outside circumstances rather than artistic endeavours.
The narration style is a conversation between Edward Hopper and his wife Jo, which seems a bit artificial because the topics they cover seem superficial.
It was a real eye opener on how Hopper saw his own art though, refusing any kind of interpretation beyond his own perception of reality. Could it be a pose - not wanting his art to carry social meaning? Is it even possible? Isn’t art also a conversation between the artist presenting it to the world and the public receiving it and adding a layer of understanding based on their experience?

[Susanne (Pages of Crime)]

Having studied Edward Hopper's life and his artwork I was already familiar with the information that was included here. However it is a good introduction to some of his attitudes towards his work for people who aren't so familiar with it and it is presented in an accessible way by being a graphic representation.

[Courtney]

I wanted something less tragic and that’s not what this is. I no nothing of Hopper’s personal life but this plainly stated he was an abuser and Josephine couldn’t paint after she married him which really is disappointing. I’m curious enough to know their relationship based off this book so I may try out a more informative biography.

[Raven Black]

If you're looking for a true biography this is not it. But if you want a more artistic look at the artist and his relationship with art, his art, his wife, artists, and life as a whole told by a conversation between him and his wife, then this is it. The artwork mimics the styles of Hopper and the other artists mentioned. A piece of artistic history done imaginatively.

[Steve]

Bought in the Whitney Museum gift shop after seeing Hopper’s art work in the display. The book provides illustrations in the style of Hopper telling his life in broad strokes (see what I did there).

[Emmanuel Petraretti]

Libro scorrevole e leggero. L'introduzione svela alcuni aneddoti del pittore sia di vita privata che professionale. Il libro, nella sua interezza, non risulta banale, ma anzi molto avvincente sia nei dialoghi che nei disegni.

[GaryTheThunder]

Ein fiktives Gespräch zwischen Hopper und seiner Partnerin, er scheint ein ziemliches Scheusal gewesen zu sein. Die Zeichnungen werden den Werken Hoppers gerecht, die Sprechblasen halten sich zurück, sind aber deshalb leider etwas zu klein.

[Thomas Vos]

2 & 1/2. Een bitske saai. Dat mag, maar het is wel zo.

[Daniel Portik]

A short book, practically his life told with small drawings, however it manages to convey his feelings pretty well.

[Adrian]

Brief and good introductory insight into Edward Hopper.

[Eduarda]

I loved the idea of using Edward Hopper's techniques to draw his own biography. The story wasn't so exciting though.

[deb]

2,5/5

[kc]

🫤wish it was more in-depth and had something to say

[Shushi]

简短的漫画传记：霍普看不上二十世纪初在巴黎风靡的那些现代艺术流派，也不认同自己的画是写实主义。不喜欢临摹，只画心之所想。中译版给所有裸模打了马赛克，不知道原版是否如此。

[Kathy]

A perfect graphic bio of an iconic artist.

[Emilia Eliks]

🤎

[Jenn Adams]

3.5
Edward Hopper is one of my favorite artists, and this graphic biography was nice but nothing particularly memorable. Even a little confusing at times.

[Keith]

I just didn't feel like there was much here. A disappointment for me.

[Harry Tolmie-Thomson]

Hopper was an amazing artist but his life wasn't that interesting. This book reflects this.

[Wentao Lyu]

A nice lil short reflection on Hopper’s life, presented in the form of a conversation between Jo and Ed, was hoping for more in-depth information though.

[Kira]

Go girl give us nothing?

[Michela]

Poche parole, tanti sguardi e disegni che fanno percepire l'essenza dell'opera dell'artista