Artwork
The Letter
The Letter is an unspecified painting by the German Expressionist artist Karl Hofer. It dates from 1934 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1939.750
- Credit line
- Hinman B. Hurlbut Collection
About this work
Overview
The Letter is a painting by Karl Hofer, a German artist known for his somber and introspective works.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a woman reading a letter at a table, her concerned expression suggesting the content is troubling. The scene is characterized by a sense of quiet contemplation and unease.
Technique & Style
Hofer's use of dark colors and simple composition creates an intimate atmosphere. The subtle rendering of the woman's emotions is achieved through a nuanced application of color and tone, reminiscent of the sfumato technique.
History & Provenance
Hofer's work was condemned by the Nazis, leading to his dismissal from a teaching post in 1933. Much of his work, including potentially early versions of this painting, was destroyed in a studio bombing in 1943.
Artist & collection
Artist
Karl Christian Ludwig Hofer or Carl Hofer was a German expressionist painter. He was director of the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts.
