Hans (1880) Hofmann Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Hans (1880) Hofmann Art Value Price Guide

Mar. 12, 2025
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Untitled (Self-Portrait), 1941
Est: $4,000 - $6,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Untitled (Self-Portrait), 1941 with Estate of Hans Hofmann stamp and inscribed 'M-933/405' (on the backing board) India ink on paper 10 7/8 x 8 3/8 in. 27.6 x 21.3 cm.
Bonhams
Mar. 12, 2025
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Little Interior, 1935
Est: $20,000 - $40,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Little Interior, 1935 signed and dated 'Hans Hofmann 1935' (lower right); titled, inscribed and dated again 'Catal. No 233 - 1935 Little Interior No. U-28' with Estate of Hans Hofmann and Andre Emmerich Gallery Inc stamps (on the reverse) casein on plywood 13 1/2 x 11 3/8 in. 34.3 x 28.9 cm.
Bonhams
Feb. 28, 2025
Untitled #12
Est: $80,000 - $120,000
Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Untitled #12 signed and dated 63 (lower right) oil on board 30 by 24 in. 76.2 by 61 cm. Executed in 1963.
Sotheby's
Feb. 28, 2025
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Untitled HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Untitled stampe
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Untitled HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Untitled stamped with the Estate of Hans Hofmann stamp and numbered 'M 536-44' (on the reverse) oil and cardboard on board 163⁄4 x 55⁄8 in. (42.5 x 14.3 cm.) Executed circa 1960.
Christie's
Feb. 27, 2025
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Two Pyramids. oil on canvas36 x 48 in. (91.4 x 12
Est: $200,000 - $300,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Two Pyramids. oil on canvas36 x 48 in. (91.4 x 121.9 cm.).
Christie's
Jan. 25, 2025
Undecipherable Artist - Etching - Hand signed
Est: €100 - €200
Hans-Georg Hofmann 1957 in Speyer Germany. Great Etching by German Artist Hans-Georg Hofmann Hand signed and numbered
Art Atelier
Dec. 18, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. ink on paper 11 x 8 ½ in. (27.9 x 21.6
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. ink on paper 11 x 8 ½ in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm.).
Christie's
Dec. 18, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Abstract Figure. ink on paper 11 x 8 ½ in. (27.9
Est: $3,000 - $5,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Abstract Figure. ink on paper 11 x 8 ½ in. (27.9 x 21.6 cm.).
Christie's
Dec. 18, 2024
Hans Hofmann (1880-1966). Untitled. crayon and ink on paper 14 x 16 ¾ in. (
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
Hans Hofmann (1880-1966). Untitled. crayon and ink on paper 14 x 16 ¾ in. (35.6 x 42.5 cm.).
Christie's
Dec. 18, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Night Mystery. gouache and ink on paperboard 17 1
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Night Mystery. gouache and ink on paperboard 17 1⁄8 x 14 in. (43.5 x 35.6 cm.).
Christie's
Dec. 18, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. oil on Upson board 19 x 14 in. (48.3 x
Est: $70,000 - $100,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. oil on Upson board 19 x 14 in. (48.3 x 35.6 cm.).
Christie's
Dec. 18, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. oil on board 8 ¾ x 24 in. (22.2 x 61 cm
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. oil on board 8 ¾ x 24 in. (22.2 x 61 cm.).
Christie's
Dec. 18, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Mauve, Green and Red. oil and watercolor on paper
Est: $25,000 - $35,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Mauve, Green and Red. oil and watercolor on paper 28 ¾ x 22 ¾ in. (73 x 57.8 cm.).
Christie's
Dec. 14, 2024
OIL PORTRAIT PAINTING SIGNED HANS HOFMANN 1964
Est: $100 - $150
An oil portrait painting on canvas mounted on board signed Hans Hofmann. The painting depicts a scene with a group of people with the central figure of a painting artist in the studio. Signed Hans Hofmann and dated 1964 lower left. Collectible Mid Century Figurative Fine Art, Portraiture.
Antique Arena Inc
Dec. 08, 2024
Undecipherable Artist - Etching - Hand signed - original starting bid €55
Est: €100 - €200
Hans-Georg Hofmann 1957 in Speyer Germany. Great Etching by German Artist Hans-Georg Hofmann Hand signed and numbered
Art Atelier
Nov. 22, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) - Le bouquet du vine
Est: $600,000 - $800,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Le bouquet du vine oil on canvas 84 x 71 5⁄8 in. (213.3 x 181.6 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 22, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) - Blue Comet
Est: $700,000 - $1,000,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Blue Comet oil on canvas 50 x 40 in. (127 x 101.6 cm.)
Christie's
Nov. 21, 2024
Provincetown – Town and Harbour
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
Property from a Distinguished Private Collection Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Provincetown - Town and Harbor signed and dated 36 (lower right); titled, dated 1936, dedicated From us to you! / Hans and Renate Hofmann / Xmas 1965 (on the reverse) oil on board 25 by 30 in. 63.5 by 76.2 cm. Executed in 1936.
Sotheby's
Nov. 21, 2024
Aquatic Garden
Est: $600,000 - $800,000
Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Aquatic Garden signed and dated 60 (lower right); signed, titled and dated 1960 (on the reverse) oil on Upson board 95 ¾ by 47 ¾ in. 248.3 by 121.3 cm. Executed in 1960.
Sotheby's
Nov. 20, 2024
Hans Hofmann *
Est: €30,000 - €50,000
(Weißenburg, Germany 1880 – 1966 New York, USA) The Pink Mountain, 1960, signed and dated Hans Hofmann 60, signed and decidated to my nephew Hans Theo Hofmann, October 1964 on the reverse, oil on canvas mounted on board, 40 x 50 cm, framed Provenance: Hans Theo Hofmann, the artist’s nephew Private Collection, Austria Im Kinsky, Vienna, 26 November 2015, lot 891 Purchased at the above sale by the previous owner Literature: Suzi Villiger, Ed. Hans Hofmann, Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings, Volume III (1952 – 1965), Burlington 2014, cat. no. P1287, p. 283. “The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color. Our entire being is nourished by it. This mystic quality of color should likewise find expression in a work of art.” Hans Hofmann
Dorotheum
Nov. 20, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Evening Blue. oil on canvas 36 x 48 in. (91.4 x 1
Est: $400,000 - $600,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Evening Blue. oil on canvas 36 x 48 in. (91.4 x 121.9 cm.).
Christie's
Nov. 18, 2024
Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) Figure Drawing
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Hans Hofmann (American/German, 1880-1966) Untitled Nude Drawing, ink on paper. Framed. Size: 11'' x 8.5'', 28 x 22 cm (sheet); 16.25'' x 13.75'', 41 x 35 cm (frame). Provenance: Estate of Hans Hofmann (HH-Est#M-0933/646), Ameringer Yohe Fine Arts, New York, New York.
Material Culture
Nov. 14, 2024
Hans Hofmann (American, 1880-1966) Untitled, 1941
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
Hans Hofmann (American, 1880-1966) Untitled, 1941 ink and crayon on paper initialed HH and dated (lower right) 14 x 17 inches.
Freeman’s | Hindman
Nov. 02, 2024
ABSTRACT AMERICAN OIL PAINTING BY HANS HOFMANN
Est: $100 - $150
Hans Hofmann, American, German, 1880 to 1966, oil painting on canvas mounted on board depicting an Abstract Expressionist composition, 1958. Signed with a monogram and dated, lower right. Framed. Additionally stamped, provincetown 1958, on the backside. Hans Hofmann is known for Abstract expressionist painting, art teaching. The only artist of the New York school to participate directly in European modernism, Hans Hofmann became known as the major exponent of Abstract Expressionism. His paintings are known for their manic, exuberant energy. Among 20th century masters, he was the first to consolidate and codify the lessons of modernism into a teaching system. One of a kind artwork.
Antique Arena Inc
Oct. 01, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. oil on panel 12 x 16 7⁄8 in. (30.5 x 42
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. oil on panel 12 x 16 7⁄8 in. (30.5 x 42.9 cm.).
Christie's
Sep. 27, 2024
Provincetown - Town and Harbor
Est: $50,000 - $70,000
Property from a Distinguished Private Collection Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Provincetown - Town and Harbor signed and dated 36 (lower right); titled, dated 1936, dedicated From us to you! / Hans and Renate Hofmann / Xmas 1965 (on the reverse) oil on board 25 by 30 in. 63.5 by 76.2 cm. Executed in 1936.
Sotheby's
Sep. 27, 2024
Hans Hofmann, Morning Mist
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Hans Hofmann Morning Mist 1965 gouache on paper sight: 5.625 h x 4.25 w in (14 x 11 cm) Signed and dated to lower right 'Hans Hofmann 65'. Provenance: Collection of Mary Moore, New York | Estate of John Robertson | Collection of Mark McDaniels, Philadelphia | Collection of Stephen Berg | Private Collection This work will ship from Lambertville, New Jersey.
Rago Arts and Auction Center
Sep. 25, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Untitled, 1941-42
Est: $7,000 - $10,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Untitled, 1941-42 signed with the artist's initials 'HH' (lower right); stamped with the facsimile signature stamp and inscribed 'Hans Hofmann C-0256' (on the reverse); stamped with The Estate of Hans Hofmann stamp and inscribed again 'HH-EST# C-0256' (on the backing board) crayon and India ink on paper 11 x 14 in. 27.9 x 35.6 cm.
Bonhams
Jul. 20, 2024
Hans HOFMANN: "View of Paris Apartments"
Est: $900 - $1,200
Hans HOFMANN (German-American, 1880-1966): "View of Paris Apartments with Construction". Black ink on notecard, circa 1905. Initialed in the lower right corner. Sheet size: 6 x 4 inches. Provenance: Eric G. Carlson, New York.
Armstrong Fine Art
Jul. 18, 2024
Hans Hofmann (German/American, 1880-1966) Untitled, c. 1935
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Hans Hofmann (German/American, 1880-1966) Untitled, c. 1935 India ink on paper signed Hans Hofmann (lower right) 10 1/2 x 8 1/4 inches. Provenance: Ameringer Howard, New York Private Collection
Hindman
Jul. 18, 2024
Hans Hofmann (German/American, 1880-1966) Untitled, c. 1935
Est: $1,000 - $2,000
Hans Hofmann (German/American, 1880-1966) Untitled, c. 1935 India ink on paper 10 3/4 x 8 1/2 inches. Provenance: Ameringer Howard, New York Private Collection
Freeman’s | Hindman
Jul. 17, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. gouache and ink on paper 17 ½ x 24 in.
Est: $15,000 - $20,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966). Untitled. gouache and ink on paper 17 ½ x 24 in. (44.5 x 61 cm.).
Christie's
Jun. 23, 2024
Attributed to Hans Hofmann, American
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Attributed to Hans Hofmann, American (1880-1966) Painting Oil on Canvas. Signed Lower Right. In Probably Original 1960's Frame. Condition: Generally Very Good. Dimensions: 16" x 12". Frame-22" x 18". Provenance: From a Long Island, NY Home. Please note the absence of a Condition Report does not imply that there are no condition issues with this lot. Please contact us for a detailed Condition Report. It is the Buyer's responsibility to inspect each lot and deem their own opinions on Condition, Description, Provenance, and Validity before purchasing. Please make an appointment to preview or ask for Condition Reports. Condition Reports are rendered as an opinion by the staff of the Auction House and not as statements of fact. REMEMBER ALL SALES ARE FINAL AND ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS-IS, WHERE IS.
World Auction Gallery
Jun. 08, 2024
HANS HOFMANN ORIGINAL OIL ABSTRACT AFTER
Est: $300 - $10,000
180093 HANS HOFMANN ORIGINAL OIL ABSTRACT AFTER Hans Hofmann (1880-1966, German-American) Original Oil on Canvas Abstract Expressionist Painting. Hans Hofmann was a pivotal figure in thedevelopment of Abstract Expressionism, known for his vibrant and innovative use of color and composition. A German-born American painter and influential teacher, Hofmann's theories on color dynamics and spatialrelationships profoundly shaped modern art. He emphasized the "push and pull" effect in paintings, where color and form interact to create depth and movement. His work is characterized by bold, improvised brushworkand a rich palette, reflecting both European and American influences. Hofmann's teaching and artistic practices inspired a generation of artists, making him a central figure in the post-war art scene in the UnitedStates. Size: 16 X 20". 17.5 X 21.5" Framed. Condition: Very fine. See images.
Florida Estate Sales Inc.
May. 28, 2024
HANS HOFMANN "Untitled (Pour le "Dioscure")" 1962 oil on canvas paper applied on board cm 34x29.5 Signed and titled 62 Provenance International Center of Aesthetic Research, Turin Private collection Exhibition "Hans Hofmann opere da una c...
Est: €6,000 - €8,000
(WEISSENBURG IN BAYERN 1880 - NEW YORK 1966) "Untitled (Pour le "Dioscure")" 1962 oil on canvas paper applied on board cm 34x29.5 Signed and titled 62 Provenance International Center of Aesthetic Research, Turin Private collection Exhibition "Hans Hofmann opere da una collezione" Galleria Peccolo, Livorno, September 1999, colour ill. in catalogue IT "Senza titolo (Pour le "Dioscure")" 1962 olio su carta intelata applicata su tavola cm 34x29,5 Firmato e datato 62 in basso a destra Provenienza International Center of Aesthetic Research, Torino Collezione privata Esposizioni "Hans Hofmann opere da una collezione" Galleria Peccolo, Livorno, settembre 1999, ill. a colori in catalogo
Il Ponte Auction House
May. 18, 2024
Hans Hofmann Abstract Painting
Est: $40,000 - $60,000
Artist/Designer; Manufacturer: Hans Hofmann (German/American, 1880-1966) Marking(s); notes: M669-6 SP8; 1943 Materials: gouache on paper Dimensions (H, W, D): 17.5"h, 23.5"w; 25.25"h, 32"w frame Additional Information: Untitled work is stamped by the Estate of Hans Hofmann on reverse of the frame, number M-669/6. Gallery labels to reverse: Andre Emmerich Gallery, New York, New York; Lillian Heidenberg Fine Art, New York, New York. Provenance: Andre Emmerich Gallery, New York, New York | Jacobson Howard Gallery, New York, New York | Private Collection, New York, New York | Lillian Heidenberg Fine Art, New York, New York.
Palm Beach Modern Auctions
May. 16, 2024
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Amphibious Life 1943
Est: $100,000 - $150,000
HANS HOFMANN (1880-1966) Amphibious Life 1943 signed and dated 43; titled and dated 1943 on canvas affixed to the stretcher oil on canvas laid on board 30 1/2 by 41 in. 77.5 by 104.2 cm.
Bonhams
May. 16, 2024
Smiling Pasture
Est: $1,000,000 - $1,500,000
Property Sold To Benefit The Walker Art Center Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Smiling Pasture signed hans hofmann and dated 64 (lower right); signed hans hofmann, titled and dated 1964 (on the reverse) oil on canvas 39 by 31 in. 99 by 78.7 cm. Executed in 1964.
Sotheby's
May. 15, 2024
Lava
Est: $3,000,000 - $5,000,000
Property from a Prestigious Private Collection Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Lava signed hans hofmann and dated '60 (lower right); signed again, titled, dated 1960 and inscribed Cat #1017 oil on canvas 72 x 60 (on the reverse) oil on canvas 72 by 60 in. 182.8 by 152.4 cm. Executed in 1960.
Sotheby's
May. 14, 2024
Untitled (No. 24)
Est: $20,000 - $30,000
Property from an Important Private European Collection Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Untitled (No. 24) signed and dated 62 (lower right) oil on paper laid down on canvas 16 ¾ by 11 in. 42.5 by 27.6 cm. Executed in 1962.
Sotheby's
May. 11, 2024
Hans Hofmann (German/American, 1880-1996) - Red Faces
Est: $50,000 - $80,000
Hans Hofmann (German/American, 1880-1996) - Red Faces Initialed ‘HH’ and inscribed illegibly bottom right, stamped with the ‘Estate of Hans Hofmann’ stamp and numbered M-543, oil on canvas board. Executed in 1945. 20 x 24 in. (50.8 x 61cm) Provenance The Estate of the Artist. André Emmerich Gallery, New York, New York (acquired from the above in 1981). John Berggruen Gallery, San Francisco, California (acquired from the above in 1981). Private Collection (acquired from the above in 1981). Karen Amiel, New York (acquired from the above in 1989). James Barron, New York (acquired from the above in 1989). Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, New York (acquired from the above in 1989). Dr. Julian Katz and Dr. Sheila Moriber Katz, Gladwyne, Pennsylvania (acquired directly from the above in 1992). Exhibition “Hans Hofmann,” David Mirvish Gallery, Toronto, Canada, December 3, 1977-January 3, 1978. Literature Suzi Villiger, ed., Hans Hofmann: Catalogue Raisonné of Paintings, Volume II, Burlington, Vermont: Lund Humphries, 2014, no. P547 (illus.).
Freeman's | Hindman
Apr. 30, 2024
Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) Image in Black huile sur toile 76.5 x 61 cm. Peint
Est: €70,000 - €100,000
Hans Hofmann (1880-1966) Image in Black huile sur toile 76.5 x 61 cm. Peint en 1950.
Christie's
Apr. 27, 2024
Hans Hofmann "Elysium, 1960" Offset Lithograph
Est: $600 - $1,200
Hans Hofmann (1880–1966) was a German-born American abstract expressionist painter and influential art teacher. He played a significant role in the development of abstract art in the 20th century and was a leading figure in the Abstract Expressionist movement.Hofmann was born in Bavaria, Germany, and began his artistic career studying at the Munich Academy of Fine Arts. He later moved to Paris, where he was influenced by the avant-garde movements of Cubism and Fauvism. In the 1930s, Hofmann emigrated to the United States, where he eventually settled in New York City.As an artist, Hofmann is known for his bold use of color, dynamic compositions, and innovative approach to abstraction. He believed that color and form were the primary elements of painting, and he sought to express the vitality and energy of the natural world through his work.Hofmann was also a highly respected art teacher, and his teaching had a profound impact on several generations of artists. He founded the Hans Hofmann School of Fine Arts in New York and Provincetown, Massachusetts, where he emphasized the importance of spontaneity, experimentation, and the intuitive use of color and form in art making.One of Hofmann's most famous works is "The Golden Wall" (1961), which exemplifies his dynamic approach to abstraction. The painting features bold, gestural brushstrokes and vibrant colors arranged in a dynamic composition that seems to pulsate with energy.Hans Hofmann's work and teaching continue to be influential in the world of abstract art, and he is celebrated as one of the pioneers of abstract expressionism. His bold and expressive paintings are admired for their vibrancy, dynamism, and emotional depth, and his legacy as a visionary artist and teacher endures to this day. Measures 33.8 x 58.0.
Morgan Auctions
Apr. 27, 2024
Hans Hofmann "Blue Monolith, 1964" Offset Lithograph
Est: $600 - $1,200
Hans Hofmann (1880–1966) was a German-born American painter and influential art teacher known for his contributions to abstract expressionism and his pioneering approach to color theory and composition. Born in Bavaria, Germany, Hofmann studied art in Munich and Paris before immigrating to the United States in 1932.Hofmann's early works were influenced by European modernism, particularly Cubism and Fauvism, but he later developed his own distinctive style characterized by bold colors, dynamic brushwork, and spatial complexity. He was particularly interested in the interaction of color and form, and he explored these ideas in his innovative "push-pull" technique, which created a sense of depth and movement on the canvas.As an art teacher, Hofmann played a crucial role in shaping the development of American abstract expressionism. He founded the Hans Hofmann School of Fine Arts in New York City and later in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where he taught a generation of artists, including many who would become leading figures of the abstract expressionist movement, such as Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner, and Helen Frankenthaler.Hofmann's own paintings are celebrated for their vibrant energy, gestural brushwork, and dynamic compositions. He often used bold, contrasting colors and abstract forms to evoke a sense of emotion and spontaneity, and his work had a profound influence on the development of modern art in the 20th century.Hans Hofmann's legacy as both an artist and a teacher continues to be celebrated today. His paintings are held in numerous museums and collections around the world, and his teachings have had a lasting impact on generations of artists. He is regarded as one of the most important figures of the abstract expressionist movement and a pioneer of modern art. Measures 38.0 x 45.8.
Morgan Auctions
Mar. 05, 2024
Untitled
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Untitled oil on paper laid down to canvas 17 by 14 in. 43.2 by 35.6 cm.
Sotheby's
Mar. 05, 2024
Untitled
Est: $12,000 - $18,000
Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Untitled oil on panel 10 by 8 ⅛ 25.4 by 20.6 cm. Executed in circa 1960-1965.
Sotheby's
Mar. 05, 2024
Untitled
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
Hans Hofmann 1880 - 1966 Untitled oil on board 9 ⅞ by 4¾ in. 25.1 by 12.1 cm. Executed circa 1960-1965.
Sotheby's
Mar. 02, 2024
Hans Hofmann, German (1880 - 1966), abstract landscape, 1943, crayon / ink wash on paper, 23 1/2"H x 20 1/2"W(frame), 17"H x 14"W(paper)
Est: $8,000 - $12,000
Hans Hofmann German, (1880 - 1966) abstract landscape, 1943 crayon / ink wash on paper Signed and dated lower right. Exhibited: Andre Emmerich Gallery, NY; The Gallery at Rosenblum Farm, CO Provenance: Estate of Hans Hofmann Biography from the Archives of askART: The only artist of the New York school to participate directly in European modernism, Hans Hofmann became known as the major exponent of Abstract Expressionism. His paintings are known for their manic, exuberant energy. Among 20th-century masters, he was the first to consolidate and codify the lessons of modernism into a teaching system. Hofmann was also a widely-influential art instructor with schools in New York City and Provincetown, Massachusetts. He was described by "New York Times" critic Clement Greenberg as "the most important teacher of our time". (Falk 1590). Approximately six-thousand students studied modernist art with him, among the well-known names are Helen Frankenthaler, Jane Freilicher, Wolf Kahn, Larry Rivers and Nell Blaine. Hans Hofmann was born in Weissenberg, Germany, showed a precocious interest in music and science, and had early training in mechanics while working for the Director of Public Works of Bavaria between 1896 and 1898. On that job, he invented the electromagnetic comptometer, the precursor of the adding machine. He began to study art in 1898 in Munich where he was introduced to Impressionism. From 1904 to 1914, he studied in Paris and was exposed to many of the avant-garde artists and movements of that time including Fauvism, Cubism, and Surrealism. He was much taken with the exploration of pure color for its own sake, especially as investigated by Picasso, Braque, Matisse, and Delaunay. In Munich at the outbreak of World War I, he founded an art school and was highly successful until 1932 when he emigrated to America, having spent the summers in 1930 and 1931 teaching at the University of California at Berkeley. In 1932, he began teaching at the Arts Students League in New York and the following year opened his own schools in New York and Provincetown, Massachusetts. During the 1930s and 1940s, American Scene painting was prevalent, but he resisted that style, staying with the modernism to which he had been exposed in Europe. Hence he was later credited as a courageous pioneer in America of European modern art. He closed both of his schools in 1958 so he could devote himself full time to his own painting. He died in New York City in 1966. Hofmann said he always based his paintings on the subject of nature, and he used vivid colors such as bright blues, greens oranges and yellows and applied them with palette knives in long slashing strokes. He viewed the surface of the canvas as alive, responsive, and active, often with opposing forces which he created with his theory of "push and pull," and which is closely tied to theories of Paul Cezanne. He also experimented with dripping paint onto the canvas, a method Jackson Pollock learned and later made famous. Most of the configurations of his later paintings were rectangular, likely influenced by the analytical Cubism of Picasso, and which he fled were best in accord with the overall shape of the canvas. Source: Matthew Baigell, "Dictionary of American Art" Michael David Zellman, "300 Years of American Art" Peter Falk, "Who Was Who in American Art"
Ripley Auctions