Karl Hofer
1878 - 1955
Mädchenkopf. 1947.
Oil on canvas.
Wohlert 1990. Monogrammed and dated in the lower right. 40 x 29.5 cm (15.7 x 11.6 in). [AW].

• Hofer's distinctive portraits of enraptured women are among the artist's most compelling creations.
• Subtly balanced and delicate coloring in Karl Hofer's typically minimalist style.
• Hofer's outstanding portrait gift becomes particularly evident in his small-sized works.
• For the first time on the international auction market (source: artprice.com).

PROVENANCE: From the artist's estate (estate no. 539 (with a numbered label on the stretcher), Wirnitzer list no. 178).
Private collection, Southern Germany.

EXHIBITION: Sonderausstellung Carl Hofer, Märkisches Museum Witten, November 1950; Museum Bochum, January 1951; Museum Folkwang, Essen, February 1951; Städtisches Kunstmuseum Duisburg, April 1951; Kunstverein Braunschweig, May 1951, probably cat. no. 53.
Karl Hofer. Vom Entwurf zum Bild, Baukunst, Cologne, August 31–October 20, 1984, cat. no. 16 (“ Frauenkopf nach links”).

LITERATURE: Karl Bernhard Wohlert (ed.), Markus Eisenbeis (pub.), Karl Hofer. Catalogue raisonné of paintings, vol. 3, Cologne 2007, CRN no. 1990 ( illustrated in black and white).
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Galerie Rosenbach, Hanover (ed.), Bilder, Graphik, Bücher: ausgewählte Kunst aus zwei Jahrhunderten, cat. 18, Hanover 1985, cat. no. 57, p. 31 (illustrated in color).

Good overall impression. The outer edges and corners of the painting are rubbed, with isolated, tiny spots of color loss. Isolated spots of minor flaking, as well as isolated craquelure, which is more pronounced along the right edge of the painting. Overall, with minor retouching. The surface is somewhat irregular in places. The condition report was compiled in daylight with the help of a UV light source and to the best of our knowledge and belief.
For information concerning the condition, please view the high resolution image / backside image.