Ludwig von Hofmann German, 1861-1945

Original canvas. There is some retouching to the figure's back and arms; some other pigments fluoresce though these do not appear to be retouchings. There is a small spot of paint loss towards the centre of the upper edge and some faint craquelure, otherwise the work is in good overall condition with fine texture. Held in a simple gilt wood frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Ludwig von Hofmann's mesmerising paintings and watercolours form a unique synthesis of elements borrowed from classical antiquity, symbolism, and art nouveau. Central to his vision is the harmonious symbiosis between man and nature, his pictures peopled by ethereal figures dancing or bathing in timeless arcadian landscapes. His pictures are remarkably expressive, not only on account of the grandeur of the compositions, but by virtue of their luminous, vivid colours.

Von Hofmann was a pupil of Ferdinand Keller at the Karlsruhe Academy, and in 1889 furthered his training at the Académie Julian in Paris, where he was strongly influenced by the Nabis Maurice Denis and Pierre Puvis de Chavannes. During the 1890s in Berlin he was a co-founder, along with Max Liebermann, of the Gruppe der XI and of the Berlin Secession. Throughout his life he fostered close contact with Hans von Marées, Arnold Böcklin, Max Klinger, the dramatist Gerhart Hauptmann, and the author Thomas Mann, who owned a painting by Hofmann and mentioned his work in his seminal novel The Magic Mountain. From 1903 until 1916 Hofmann taught at the Weimar School of Art, during which time he also received numerous public commissions. In 1916 he went on to teach at the Dresden Academy for fifteen years, before concentrating on book illustrating and print making.