The idea [for his painting 'Room in New York', he painted in 1932] had been in my mind a long time before I painted it. It was suggested by glimpses of lighted interiors seen as I walked along city streets at night, probably near the district where I live [Washington Square, New York] although it's no particular street or house, but is really a synthesis of many impressions.

Quoted in 'Such a Life', 'Life', 102; August 1935, p. 48 - 1911 - 1940 (Art)