Wlastimil HOFMAN (1881-1970), "Spring (portrait of a girl wearing a garland)" (1923)

Author: Wlastimil Hofman
Title: Spring (portrait of a girl in a garland) (1923)
Technique: oil, cardboard
Dimensions: 30.4 x 45.2 cm
Dimensions with frame: 44 x 58.4 cm
Signed and dated p.d.: "Wlastimil Hofman 1923"

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
The 1920s was the time when Wlastimil Hofman painted lyrical, symbolic paintings, usually portraits and allegorical images. Works from this period are also the objects most sought after on the market by collectors of the artist's art.
The girl portrayed in the painting on display wears a laurel wreath on her head, which, although at first associated with a sign of victory, is also a symbol of poets and inspiration. The second meaning is more in line with the characteristics of Wlastimil Hofman's work, who repeatedly took up the theme of muses who are the personification of creative energy and inspiration - both poetic and painterly.
The child is shown against the background of vegetation awakening to life, which also opens up possibilities for interpretation going in the direction of identifying the girl in the garland (an image of youth and nature) with the personification of the coming spring.

Wlastimil Hofman's biography is available on the Krakow Auction House website [SEE].