Description
Irwin Hoffman – The Stoker – 1930s – Working ClassEtching – NYC Social Realism Artist
Irwin David Hoffman (1901–1989) was born in Boston to aRussian immigrant family. He studied at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts and, atthe age of 23, traveled to Europe after receiving a prestigious travelingscholarship. Upon his return, he settled in New York City, where he spent therest of his career.
Throughout his life, Hoffman remained deeply engaged withthe theme of working people. He produced numerous prints depicting miners,sailors, villagers, and other laborers. His works reflect a sense of sympathyand respect for his subjects, presenting the dignity inherent in theirdown-to-earth labor.
This etching, The Stoker , is among Hoffman’s mosthighly acclaimed works and an ideal example of his style. Hoffman encounteredthe subject—a stoker—on the cruise ship S.S. Rotterdam. In this portrait, hecaptures both nobility and determination behind the sitter’s seemingly hollowgaze. While many of Hoffman’s etchings are dynamic and full of movement—such as Mexican Wash Day (1936) and Lace Makers (1944)—his single-sitterworks, including The Stoker , often have stark and still poses. Yet,Hoffman masterfully employs directional lines to guide the viewer’s eye acrossthe composition, reflecting the influence of his European training.
This impression is strong and in excellent condition. Thesheet retains full margins with no visible damage, apart from a small stain atthe lower left margin. It bears an in-plate signature ( Irwin D. Hoffman,1935 ), a pencil signature ( Irwin D. Hoffman ), and the pencil title“The Stoker” on verso. The sheet is further marked with embossed letters “EP”at the lower left corner.
Work Details
- Medium: Etching
- Dimensions:
- Paper: 15.5 × 11 in
- Image: 9 × 6 in
- Inscriptions:
- Lower right (in plate): Irwin D. Hoffman. 1935
- Lower right (pencil): Irwin D. Hoffman
- Lower left (embossed): EP
- Verso: The Stoker
- Condition Report: Excellent – small stain at lower left margin; full margins; unframed
Provenance:
· Private collection- New Orleans, LA
Disclaimer
I have conducted thorough research to ensure the accuracyand authenticity of this work to the best of my ability. However, it is sold asis, with no guarantees or warranties regarding its provenance or historicalattribution.
