Posted 8 years ago
JoeyC
(120 items)
I'm hoping to identify the subject of this fine oil painting by Edwin D Hoffman signed and dated 1956. This tells us that the subject, likely age 70-80 as pictured, was born 1876-1886. He is likely any of the following: prominent, famous, wealthy, a relative or associate of Hoffman but could've also simply been a customer who commissioned a portrait; there may be a Colorado connection (read further). Hoffman (Russian Jewish) had strong associations with Boston; the Boston Public Library has many of his art works and papers, however they are re-doing all of their Hoffman holdings so no public access until Dec 2016. Hoffman lived in and had a studio in Manhattan. There is info about him online by Paul Verizzo whose father Walter was Hoffman's neighbor in NY and collaborated with him; Paul Verizzo has a photo gallery of The Beat Movement sites in Colorado but I can't find any reference connections to those folks with Hoffman ... so there is currently no case to be made for one of the Beat members taking the painting with them from NY to Colorado. But the painting was found at a thrift store in the Lakewood vicinity of COLORADO. Note the subject's distinctive features: full head of hair, nose shape (Jewish characteristic sometimes but far from always), shape of ears! I am certain SOMEONE can put the pieces of the puzzle together and identify him ... can you???
There are no pieces to put together because there is no substantiated information about the man in the portrait. A likeness of this man does not appear on the web. The portrait was most likely painted from a photograph and then perhaps shipped to Colorado. I suggest that the person who bought this portrait go back to the thrift shop and see if it is possible to trace the portrait back to the family who donated it.
AGREE! Unless a Family member comes on and says that Grandpa, one in a Million to know who this is. HI Efesgirl! :)
HI Dizzydave!! Agree with you.
Thanks everyone; good thoughts. Hoffman did like to paint from photographs. Perhaps (on a long shot) Hoffman kept some records of commissioned portraits. We'll see in Dec when the Boston Public Library opens their Hoffman collection.
he looks like a kind, humorous, successful man - and probably like half the white people in the country's grandfather! now that certainly narrows down the possibilities!