Wlastimil Hofman (1881-1970), Dead Sea, 1943

oil, canvas pasted on plywood; 28.5 x 47.3 cm;
Signed and dated p. d.: Wlastimil Hofman / 1943

On the reverse, inscription: MRTVE MORE

Provenance:
private collection, Prague

A unique landscape composition from the period when the artist was in Palestine. During World War II he was in the area on the combat trail of the Czech Legion. After the end of hostilities, he returned to Poland and in 1947 settled in Szklarska Poreba, where he remained for the rest of his life. The expansive landscape in a warm color palette was enriched with staffage. The wartime work of one of the leading representatives of Symbolism is an interesting addition to the artist's better-known painting subjects.