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Hopper's Nighthawks at the Diner

Chicago Art Institute

It has often been said that this painting is about urban alienation but I have always found the Diner cozy and inviting. If you see the painting up close, it is clear that the people are interacting with one-another. The server appears to be talking to the patron who sits with his back to the viewer. The man and woman seem to be having one of those conversations. The Cafe beckons the viewer like a glowing oasis in the darkened city. One really interesting thing, however. There's no door! No way into the cafe - at least, not within the viewer's field of vision. So, if you do get a sense of alienation it might be because you don't see the door. It's subtle - but very cool!