Josephine Nivison Hopper: Edward’s Muse

On View: Now through March 20, 2022
Curated by Elizabeth Thompson Colleary

Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center is pleased to present Josephine Nivison Hopper: Edward’s Muse, on view from October 23, 2021 through February 20, 2022. Curated by Elizabeth Thompson Colleary, this exhibition features a selection of watercolors by Josephine (Jo) Nivison Hopper (1883-1968) and follows a show we presented in 2014 (also curated by Colleary) titled, Grace de Coeur: Watercolors by Josephine Nivison Hopper. The earlier presentation offered an overview of Jo Hopper’s work, while this exhibition focuses on the role Jo Hopper played in helping to shape Edward Hopper’s (1882-1967) artistic vision.

Josephine (Jo) Nivison Hopper was an established and respected artist in New York City prior to her marriage to Edward Hopper in 1924, a childless union that would endure for 43 years. Her paintings, primarily watercolors, were shown in prestigious exhibitions with the most admired European and American Modernists of the day.

The watercolors included in the current exhibition represent a small portion of the work by Jo Nivison Hopper that has come to light in recent years, thanks to the efforts of Hopper family friend, Reverend Arthayer R. Sanborn, who was the pastor of the local Baptist church. After Edward’s passing in 1967, Jo gave Rev. Sanborn several folios of her watercolors, along with journals and record books, for safekeeping and in gratitude for his friendship. While her newly discovered work is worthy of recognition in its own right, it also illuminates and expands our understanding of the Hoppers’ two-artist marriage and the crucial role that Jo played in the creation of much of Edward Hopper’s art. Indeed, with a body of Jo’s work now available for study we have the opportunity to tell the Hoppers’ decades-long story of “painting together” – and in so doing, the importance of Jo’s role as Edward Hopper’s painting companion, model, and muse can finally be recognized and celebrated.

The Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center has an obligation to bring depth and understanding to the work of Edward Hopper. With this important exhibition we are able to do just that, while giving Josephine Nivison Hopper her rightful place as an artist of note whose legacy will now endure.

Plan your visit in advance. Timed tickets are highly recommended as capacity is limited; walk-ins are allowed if there is capacity. We are restricting occupancy in the Museum to up to eight people per time slot.

Gallery Hours:
Friday: 1 – 5 pm | Saturday: 12 – 5 pm | Sunday: 12 – 5 pm
Weekday visits available by appointment only. Email info@hopperhouse.org or call to make an appointment.

​Masks are required and Proof of Vaccination is requested. Visitors are required to wear a mask when visiting Edward Hopper House. If you do not have a mask, we are happy to provide you with one during your visit.

Image: Josephine Nivison Hopper – Self Portrait
Image Credit: Edward Hopper House Museum & Study Center, The Sanborn Josephine Nivison Hopper Collection

Josephine Nivison Hopper: Edward’s Muse is made possible with generous support from Dr. Mary Anne Evangelist, Elisabeth Voigt, and Victoria Hertz & Rod Greenwood.