Customer Reviews

Hans Hofmann

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This book deserves 7 stars. The plates are superlative, and the coloration is excellent. Coloration is a problem that plagues most books about Hofmann (among others). His use of reds and magentas can be difficult to reproduce with proper balance. Frequently, the results are that the plates appear somewhat anemic or the reds take on an exaggerated neon character that is hard on the eyes. Here, then, is a feast for the Hofmann enthusiast with nearly 300 pictures, practically all of them in exquisite color. This is an experience second only to actually viewing a Hofmann exhibit first hand. In my opinion, the plates alone make this book a worthy acquisition. But there's more.

Other particulars making this book a great addition to any bookshelf dedicated to Modern Art are five essays by Hofmann on art: "Plastic Creation", "The Search for the Real in Visual Arts", "The Resurrection of the Plastic Arts", "The Color Problem in Pure Painting" and "Sculpture". This is not to mention an excellent Introduction by Sam Hunter and wonderful essays by Tina Dickey and Frank Stella. Of course, there are the requisite features of a monograph: a brief (perhaps a little too brief, but who can complain at this point) chronology of Hofmann's life, and a selected list of exhibitions. Add to all of the above the attractive binding, a sturdy and handsome slipcase (which is what is pictured above), and what you have is a unique and appealing presentation of Hans Hofmann, his life, his work, his thoughts and his place in Twentieth Century Art.

This book is enthusiastically recommended.

This is the finest Hofmann book I have seen.

The combination of hue clarity, nuance, and sharp focus of the plates acurately recreates the space of the paintings and really lets them sing.

The brush and knifework, even the weave of the canvases are all crystal clear in the reproductions.

This solidly constructed book is a work of art in itself.

I knew this would be a great book when I ordered it but when I received it I was overwhelmed by its quality, a slip-in hard cover and beautifully bound hard cover book inside.
It containes a large number of high quality colour plates (possibly all his work), and an excellent description of Hans Hofmann's thought processes in the introduction by Sam Hunter and as a bonus, 5 essays written by Hans Hofmann. A real asset for any artist who has an interest in the development and progression of abstract painting from the 1920's to 60's.

Simply put--This is the new benchmark for how an art book should be constructed.


An amazingly packaged book, complete with an outer cardboard and matte finished laminated paper printed sleeve to house the book when not in use. (see photo) Well worth the $80.00 I have spent. And yes, the color plates are superlative--alone worth the asking price!!!

I would like Rizzoli to continue the tradition with the popular as well as the lesser known artists of the Abstract Expressionist period, and the various artists from the Dada and Bauhaus schools.
Their idea of construction, layout, and packaging should be the new industry standard.

That would be a sublime treat for me and I am sure it would be for other artists as well!

Hans Hofmann was one of the most influential teachers of the twentieth century and this exquisite volume is a fitting tribute to his contribution to the understanding and development of abstract expressionism. I have always admired Hofmann and was overwhelmed when I first saw his paintings in Berkeley at the art museum in 1977.
I was especially pleased that an excellent book has been published about his legacy. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful art books I have ever purchased. The color reproductions are worthy of Hofmann's genius as a colorist and they convey the passion and boldness of his painting technique. The essays are well written and valuable, especially Sam Hunter's analyses of individual paintings and the chronological development of Hofmann's work. The book is a work of art and well worth the investment.