Hans Hofmann, Manner of (German/ American,1880-1966): Abstract Composition. Oil on masonite, signed lower right, framed.

The only artist of the New York school to participate directly in European modernism, Hans Hofmann became known as the major exponent of Abstract Expressionism. His paintings are known for their manic, exuberant energy. Among 20th-century masters, he was the first to consolidate and codify the lessons of modernism into a teaching system. Hofmann was also a widely-influential art instructor with schools in New York City and Provincetown, Massachusetts. He was described by "New York Times" critic Clement Greenberg as "the most important teacher of our time." Approximately six-thousand students studied modernist art with him, among the well-known names are Helen Frankenthaler, Jane Freilicher, Wolf Kahn, Larry Rivers and Nell Blaine.

24.5 x 20 inches framed; 22 x 18 inches masonite.

Private collection, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.