Lot 335: ARNOST HOFBAUER (1869-1944)Topicuv Salon.

ARNOST HOFBAUER (1869-1944)
Topicuv Salon.
Hofbauer was influenced by Japanese color woodblock art and wrote a major work on Japanese art in 1908. This affinity for Far Eastern expression manifests itself in this poster for the Topicuv Salon, a prominent Prague gallery. The combination of the foreground's grumpy amber Buddha and the presentational delph-blue maiden behind him create an immediately eye-catching combination made all the more appealing with their physical and tonal disparity. It's probable that the woman's indicative gesture towards the blank text panel up top would have led the viewer to the specifics of this exhibition in a full-text version of the poster. In addition to being actively involved in the Vienna Secession, Hofbauer was a member of Manes, the Prague Artists Union.

32 x 43 7/8 in./81.2 x 111.3 cm

1898.0

Cond A-/Slight tears at top paper edge.