Artwork Page for The Letter

Details / Information for The Letter

The Letter

1934

Karl Hofer

(German, 1878–1955)
Culture
Germany, 20th century
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
Unframed: 90.7 x 70 cm (35 11/16 x 27 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
Hinman B. Hurlbut Collection 1939.750
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print

Description

Hofer's art is filled with disillusionment and pessimism, expressing his dark vision of modern life through a limited range of themes that the artist repeated obsessively. Born in Karlsruhe, Hofer settled in Berlin in 1913. Condemned by the Nazis as a "degenerate artist," in 1933 he was dismissed from his teaching post. In 1943 Hofer's studio and most of his work were destroyed by bombing.
A vertically oriented oil painting in thick, visible brushstrokes depicts a woman with light skin tone seated and turned toward our right as she reads a white letter. She wears a bright yellow shirt with white trim and a white cap. To our left, a brown table holds a yellow envelope atop a green folder. The dark background is filled with textured shades of brown and black.

The Letter

1934

Karl Hofer

(German, 1878–1955)
Germany, 20th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork