- 4218
Charles C. Hofmann (1821 - 1882)
Estimate
60,000 - 100,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Charles C. Hofmann
- View of the Alms Hospital and Surroundings in Berks Co. Penna, Taken from the East Side, September 13th, 1873
- oil on canvas
- 27 3/4 by 39 1/2 in.
signed C. HOFMANN
titled below image, and below that: Directors of the Poor 1873-74: Henry Ammon. Michael Goodman. Samuel Strank. Clerk: Michael Fisher. Steward: Silas W. Fisher. Second Steward: Michael Rightmaier.
titled below image, and below that: Directors of the Poor 1873-74: Henry Ammon. Michael Goodman. Samuel Strank. Clerk: Michael Fisher. Steward: Silas W. Fisher. Second Steward: Michael Rightmaier.
Provenance
Stagecoach stop en route to Sunbury, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania (razed 1977-78);
George Semansik, Pottsville, Pennsylvania;
Frank S. Schwartz & Son, Philadelphia;
Jeff Waingrow, South Salem, New York.
George Semansik, Pottsville, Pennsylvania;
Frank S. Schwartz & Son, Philadelphia;
Jeff Waingrow, South Salem, New York.
Condition
Replaced frame, lined, craquelure, scattered inpainting (including a few small repaired tears).
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Charles Hofmann was the first of the “Almshouse Painters” to take up residence at the Berks County Almshouse when he was committed in 1872. The others, John Rasmussen (1828-1895) and Louis Mader (1842-after 1899), entered in 1879 and 1892, respectively. Like the others, Hofmann was born in Germany, immigrating to Pennsylvania in 1860. He spent the next dozen years as an itinerant artist before entering the almshouse, where he spent the rest of his life.
In the 1880 census, Hofmann identifies himself as a painter, and during his time there, he painted ten views of the institution, mostly in oil, and some on tin, while others, like the present view, on canvas. During his final three years, John Rasmussen was also in residence, and the two almost certainly knew and worked alongside each other, as Rasmussen’s views were clearly inspired by Hofmann’s in terms of composition and style.