The most obvious image in the Automat is the lone woman sitting in an automated diner. Through the window behind her, the viewer sees the pure dark night. The creative use of the oil paint gives a reflective light that helps add to the feeling of loneliness. The painting was created in the Roaring Twenties, yet it appears that she is not a part of it. The pushed in chair, her fancy green coat with fur around the collar and the mix match hat pulled down over her face suggest that this woman is carrying a huge burden. As with other Hopper paintings, there are no visible doors. The woman appears trapped in her own despair.