Oskar Georg Adolf Hoffmann

The educational journey of Oskar Hoffmann first went through the studios of von Kügelgen and Schulz, heading thereafter to the legendary Düsseldorf Academy of Arts and private studies at Eduard von Gebhardt, Eugen Dücker ja a Frenchman Cormon. The multi-layered education, joining different traditions and schools, included the Düsseldorf-style serious firmness and total dedication, Eugen Dücker-style sincere attachment towards “simple” domestic motifs and the perfect painting technique in all of its shades. After several journeys in Europe and establishing of his own studio, Hoffmann reached according to the evaluation of art historians his creational peak in the second half of 1880ies.
“Talumees” (“A peasant”) repats Hoffmann’s legendary favourite motif, thanks to which the artist’s hereditary roots are so deep in the local artistic history. Work by Hoffmann, who became famous with his direct depictions of Estonians, is much more intimate than some of the well-known works. The author has used on a confined space the advantages, resulting from the format. Hoffmann has paid much attention to his favourite motif: elaborate paintwork and the author’s concentration allow us to speak of separate values. The author’s warmth towards a simple and honest peasant becomes in this manner completely unconcealed.