287

Frank B. Hoffman (1888-1958), Bears
Dimensions: 24 x 30
Framed/base Dimensions: 31 1/2 x 37 3/8 x 2 5/8
Signature: unsigned

oil on canvas
24 x 30 in.

  • Provenance: Gerald Peters Gallery, New York, NY (label verso)
    From a Private Collection
  • Notes:

    Frank B. Hoffman is best known for his Western illustrations, paintings and sculptures. At an early age he was inspired by animals while growing up around his father’s racing stables in New Orleans, Louisiana; he even worked as a jockey until he was nineteen. He first began his career as an artist while working as an illustrator for the Chicago American, sketching scenes from the Opera and prize-fighting, and he eventually he became the head of the art department. While working for the Chicago American, he took lessons from portrait painter J. Wellington Reynolds, providing a solid foundation for his subsequent career as a painter.

    In 1916, the Great Northern Railroad lured Hoffman West to paint wildlife in an effort to promote Glacier National Park in Montana. While in the West, he lived among Indian tribes and cowboys, giving himself firsthand, authentic experience for his paintings. In 1920 Hoffman moved to Taos, New Mexico after spending summers there while living in Chicago. He was particularly inspired by Taos painter Leon Gaspard, who he eventually worked with and from whom he learned how to use color more freely. During this time he also worked as an illustrator for magazines and painted for corporate advertising campaigns.

    As Hoffman became more successful, he eventually purchased his own Ranch, where he kept animals to use for live models including horses, different breeds of dogs, longhorns, eagles, burros and even a bear.

  • Condition: The painting appears to be in good condition with cracking throughout - the paint layer appears stable. The painting was viewed under blacklight and does not show any indication of inpainting. The frame appears to be in very good condition.

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September 13, 2025 10:00 AM MDT
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