Author: Wlastimil Hofman
Title: Melody of the Soul (1914)
Technique: oil, canvas
Dimensions: 35.5 x 35.2 cm
Signed and dated l.d.: "Wlastimil | Hofman | 1914".
Work description:
A recurring theme in Wlastimil Hofman's paintings is that of a faun playing the lute or a boy playing the flute in a rural landscape setting. The musical motifs used by the artist were popular during the Young Poland period and provided a starting point for reading the symbolic content contained in the paintings.
The work on offer depicts a portrait of a young man shown in front. The figure has his eyes closed and seems to be immersed, listening to the melody of his thoughts. In his hand, which is partially visible, he is holding a flute, pointing the mouthpiece toward his face - the painter has depicted what appears to be a moment just before the melody begins, or a brief pause between bars. The young man clearly stands out from the undefined light blue background.
The painting, like most of Wlastimil Hofman's works, is a painterly metaphor in which the viewer can perceive complex existential dilemmas. In "Melody of the Soul," the reverie and peculiar alienation of a figure submerged in the sound of his inner self complete the whole composition and strengthen its overtones.
Wlastimil Hofman's biography is available on the Krakow Auction House website [SEE].
If you would like to sell Wlastimil Hofman's paintings, please contact us [LINK].
