Hans Hofmann
HANS HOFMANN "THE CITY" OIL ON PLYWOOD, 1940
Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) was a pre-eminent figure of postwar American art and one of the most important artists (and instructors) of the 20th century. Born in Germany, Hofmann immigrated to New York in 1932, bringing with him years of experience and influence from the European avant-garde.
With a career spanning nearly six decades, Hofmann's legacy is marked by extensive exploration, often synthesizing elements from various movements as he reimagined the culmination possibilities of color, form, and space.
In addition to his prolific oeuvre, Hofmann was a Modern art teacher credited for his profound influence on the next generation of artists. Over the course of his illustrious teaching career, Hofmann was a mentor to Lee Krasner, Joan Mitchell, and Louise Nevelson, to name a few.
Hofmann's achievements also include major contributions to art theory, earning respect and acclaim from renowned critics such as Clement Greenberg. Notably his revolutionary idea of "push and pull" which promotes the use of contrasting color and form to create relational perspective on a two-dimensional plane.
Although the theory wasn't published until 1948, this intimate oil painting serves as a striking example of the technique at play. Broad planes of turquoise are propelled against the torrent of cobalt anchored in the center of the work. Swathes of crimson and ochre are expertly intertwined, tying the work together to enhance the illusion of depth.
The bold color blocking in this piece is perhaps an early precursor to Hofmann's iconic 'slab' paintings which were later introduced in the last decade of his career.
This lively painting presents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece from one of the most significant artists of the 20th century.
In 2017, Hofmann achieved an auction record of $8.8 million for his 1960 work "Lava". Today, Hofmann's work can be found in many major public collections across the United States and beyond, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), the Museum of Fine Arts Boston, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Städtische Galerie im Lenbachhaus (Munich).
Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720
"The City"
USA, 1940
Oil on plywood
Initialed by artist, bottom right.
Various notations, date and title on verso
7.5"H 8"W (work)
14.5"H 15.25"W (framed)
Very good condition.
Provenance: Ameringer McEnery Yohe Gallery, New York
Morrison Gallery, Connecticut
Private Collection, Canada
- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto.
- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL.
- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.
Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.
Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere.
- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees.
- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity.
What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.
- What payment methods do you accept?
Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.