Wlastimil Hofman was one of the most outstanding Polish symbolist painters, known for his deeply rooted religious and fairy-tale painting inspired by Polish tradition. He was born in Prague but settled in Kraków in 1889, where he began his studies at the School of Fine Arts. His mentors included Jacek Malczewski and Leon Wyczółkowski, who had a profound influence on his work. From 1899 to 1901, he honed his skills at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under the guidance of Jean-Léon Gérôme.
Hofman's early works were influenced by symbolism and romanticism, and his paintings often combined fairy-tale, religious, and folk elements. He created complex narratives in which sacred scenes were intertwined with allegorical motifs. His works were exhibited both in Poland and abroad, including in Vienna, Berlin, and Lviv. After World War II, he returned to Poland, settling in Szklarska Poręba in 1947, where he continued his artistic work, remaining faithful to his traditional style.
Hofman was also an active member of Polish art groups such as the Society of Polish Artists "Sztuka" and the Group of Five. His works, combining realism with symbolism, were distinguished by their rich colors and expressive forms. Despite the passing of years, Hofman's art continues to captivate, and he remains one of the key Polish artists of the 20th century. He passed away on July 21, 1978, in Szklarska Poręba.
