Wlastimil Hofman (1881-1970), Portrait of a Man, 1935

Pencil drawing on paper.
Dimensions 15 x 9 cm + binding
Signature and date at the bottom.

Wlastimil Hofman (1881, Prague - 1970, Szklarska Poreba) was a Polish painter of Czech origin, representing the Symbolist trend. He studied at the School of Fine Arts in Cracow under, among others, Jacek Malczewski, whose work greatly influenced him. He continued his education in Paris under Jean-Léon Gérôme, which enriched his style with elements of classicism and academic painting.

Hofman was one of the most highly regarded artists of Young Poland. His paintings, inspired by both religious themes and folklore, were characterized by an allegorical approach and delicate romanticism. He is particularly known for his works depicting Madonnas and genre scenes, often inspired by the lives of peasants and highlanders.

During World War II he was in exile, and after returning to Poland in 1946 he settled in Szklarska Poreba. There, in "Wlastimilowka," he worked until the end of his life, painting mainly portraits and religious paintings. His work was presented at numerous exhibitions in Poland and abroad, and after the war he became a continuator of the region's artistic traditions.