Talk:The Bootleggers (Hopper)

Notes

The more you stare at this painting, the more people you find. Most descriptions of the work only talk about four people, the three in the boat and the one on shore. But if you look closely, there appears to be many people watching from the windows of the house. I can clearly make out at least two additional people, but there may be more. It would be nice to have sources talking about this so I can mention it. Viriditas (talk) 22:16, 30 November 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Walter Wells wonders about the shed to the left of the main house, but it seems obvious to me that it will be used to store the hooch. Viriditas (talk) 09:04, 1 December 2024 (UTC)[reply]

It turns out that New Jersey may have had one of the largest rum-running operations in the country. But this isn't talked about anywhere in the Hopper literature. This fact gives some added meaning to the art dealer's comment. Very interesting. Viriditas (talk) 01:24, 3 December 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Working on an analysis section, but it is taking me a bit of time due to the complexity of the interlocking parts. Making notes here to make the process easier:

Architectural elements (windows, roof, chimneys)
- Dormers, gables, mansard
- Continuity of the mansard roof from painting to painting
- Symbolism of the crucifix-form of the chimney. Appears nowhere else?
  - Hidden commentary on religious support for Prohibition (and Hopper's opposition to it)
Composite
- Unlike his Gloucester series (1923, 1924, 1926, 1928), The Bootleggers was not based on an actual scene but compiled from different ones
- Composites were a feature of his later work, not his early work
Prohibition
- Hopper was against Prohibition
- Hopper drank alcohol in small amounts, but his peers in his circle drank heavily
Most "dramatic" painting out of his entire catalog
- Film noir-like nature (cinematic influence?)
- Why did Hopper hold on to it for 30 years?