Wlastimil HOFMAN (1881-1970), Three heads - three generations [Jacek Malczewski, Wlastimil Hofman, Jan Matejko] - triptych, 1954.

Wlastmil Hofman studied art in Cracow between 1895 and 1899. The painter began his studies when Jan Matejko was in charge of the school (until 1900), and in 1896 Jacek Malczewski joined the lecturers. The artist therefore had an unusual opportunity to observe the work of the two masters of Polish painting. The presented triptych "Three Heads - Three Generations" is at the same time a tribute to the authority of Wlastimil Hofman, but also symbolically shows the continuity of tradition in the artist's art. Wlastimil Hofman's love of historical painting can be linked to his background. The painter was born in Prague, at the age of eight the family moved to Krakow, and the artist himself has repeatedly stressed that he feels and is Polish. On the other hand, symbolist tendencies, especially in Wlastimil Hofman's pre-war works, referring to the works of Jacek Malczewski are evident when juxtaposing the motifs undertaken by both painters, such as inspiration from the works of Juliusz Słowacki (for example, the theme of Anhelli and Elenaia), caring angels, the return of exiles - wanderers, fauns and satyrs or small models - children.