Classical Modernism

Antique Greek sculpture, with its disturbing polished surface and equiproportial musculature is reflected in the simple, deep marble legs of this track racer. Formally speaking, the juxtaposition of two diagonals (legs, bicycles - locker, chairs, borders, helper) that his outstretched legs achieve makes us happy. Hopper is known for his unidealogical paintings, so one tries to avoid reading his works too symbolically. That said, it is probably no accident that the legs and machines are alone together in the direction they point. There he sits, centered at the intersection of diagonals, the man about to prove his mettle.