Wlastimil Hofman (1881 Prague - 1970 Szklarska Poreba), Children, 1930s.

oil, canvas, 27 × 36 cm
Signed and dated l. d.: "Wlastimil/ (193(illegible) Hofman)".

"The villa at 16 Spadzista Street resembles a kindergarten during the day. It is full of children of all ages and various toys. In the garden, for example, the sandbox, swings and ladders are active. The painter has no adult models only children" (B. Czajkowski, "Portrait from Memory," Wroclaw 1971, p. 134.). Everyday life in the Hofmans' house was described by Sztaudynger in "Rainbow": "Did we find the ladies and gentlemen at home? Yes, Mr. and Mrs. Wlastman are at home, please go to the garden [...]. Before we reached Mr. Wlastimil, whose dazzlingly white and superbly ironed shirt and huge hat can be seen from afar, we are struck by a peculiar throng. In the sand of the middle terrace flourish in groups of two or three differently dressed girls and boys. Fawn-haired and fashion-eyed, black-haired and beer-eyed, clean-haired and, more often than not, sullied fraternity, in pleasant social chatter, barely glance at the newcomer, and already return to the sand muffins. [...] Here are the children of Hofman's immediate neighborhood, the children of the so-called suburban "elements." Morns often scraped off, hair like bobbleheads, but still with that lurid tinsel of youth. Whole hordes of kids sit in the sand, playing croquet [....]. One kid poses, the rest play. [...]. We stand on the smallest terrace. Hofman takes a few steps, puts the penrod in his left hand and greets us politely. The model and the painting seem impatient. Mr. Wlast briefs the boy: "Go play for a while, I'll call you right back, you've already posed for me for ten minutes." (B.Danielska, "In Szklarska Poreba, all roads lead to Wlastimilowka", Szklarska Poreba 2017, p. 105.)