Meaning: Edward Hopper, an influential American realist painter and printmaker, made this statement about his use of retouching varnish in his artistic process. Hopper is best known for his iconic depictions of the American landscape and urban scenes, characterized by their stark realism and evocative use of light and shadow. His works often convey a sense of isolation and alienation, capturing the mood and atmosphere of modern American life.

In the quote, Hopper mentions using a specific retouching varnish made by Libert in France. Varnishing is an essential part of the process of protecting and preserving a painting, as well as enhancing its visual qualities. Retouching varnish, in particular, is used during the painting process to protect the work in progress and to unify the sheen of the painting's surface, allowing the artist to see the colors more clearly and make adjustments as needed. Once the painting is completed, a final picture varnish is usually applied to provide long-term protection and to enhance the colors and overall appearance of the artwork.

Hopper's choice of a retouching varnish from France suggests that he valued the quality and specific properties of this particular product for his artistic practice. The use of high-quality materials and tools is crucial for artists to achieve the desired effects in their work, and Hopper's preference for a varnish made in France reflects his attention to detail and commitment to the craft of painting.

Hopper's paintings are characterized by their precise and deliberate composition, as well as his masterful use of light and shadow to create mood and atmosphere. The application of varnish in the painting process can have a significant impact on the final appearance of the artwork, affecting its sheen, color intensity, and overall visual impression. By carefully selecting the varnish he used, Hopper demonstrated his dedication to ensuring that his paintings maintained their intended qualities and aesthetics.

In addition to the technical aspects of varnishing, Hopper's statement also provides insight into his approach to artistic materials and techniques. As an artist known for his meticulous attention to detail and his distinctive visual style, Hopper's choice of varnish can be seen as an integral part of his artistic process. The careful selection of materials and the precise application of varnish align with Hopper's overall methodical and deliberate approach to painting.

Furthermore, Hopper's mention of the specific brand, Libert, highlights the importance of trust and familiarity with certain suppliers and products in an artist's practice. Artists often develop preferences for specific brands and materials based on their experiences and the results they achieve. The mention of Libert suggests that Hopper had found a varnish that met his exacting standards and that he was satisfied with the results it helped him achieve in his paintings.

In conclusion, Edward Hopper's statement about using a retouching varnish made in France by Libert provides valuable insight into his meticulous approach to painting and his commitment to using high-quality materials. The choice of varnish, as well as the specific brand, reflects Hopper's attention to detail, his dedication to preserving the intended qualities of his paintings, and his reliance on trusted materials to support his artistic vision. This quote offers a glimpse into the technical and aesthetic considerations that were integral to Hopper's practice as a renowned realist painter.