Irwin D. Hoffman

Hoffman, Irwin David

American, 1901 - 1989

Explore selected works

See all 12 works of art
In the image, a group of people are shown making lace. The individuals are closely positioned, working with fabric using skilled hands. Light illuminates the scene, emphasizing their concentration. The drawing features detailed shading and strong lines, creating a delicate texture in the lace. The overall atmosphere conveys a sense of quiet dedication to their craft.
Irwin D. Hoffman, Associated American Artists, Lace Makers, 1944 (published 1945), etching in black, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2543

Lace Makers

Irwin D. Hoffman, Associated American Artists · 1944 (published 1945) · etching in black ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2543

The image shows a man with his upper torso and head visible. He is depicted in a three-quarter view, with his body and gaze turned slightly to the side. The man has prominent facial features including high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and noticeable eyebrows. His dark hair appears short and is visible under a wide-brimmed hat. He wears a collared shirt with the collar slightly turned up and holds what seems to be a wooden tool or handle. The background shows a rural landscape with rolling hills and small figures in the distance working in a field.
Irwin D. Hoffman, Andersen-Lamb, Associated American Artists, El Jibaro, Puerto Rico [state proof], 1940, etching on wove paper [state proof], Gift of Joandiel Resto and Mary Valenzuela-Resto, 2024.134.1

El Jibaro, Puerto Rico [state proof]

Irwin D. Hoffman, Andersen-Lamb, Associated American Artists · 1940 · etching on wove paper [state proof] ·  Accession ID  2024.134.1

This is a drawing with figures in contorted and overlapping positions, expressing anguish and distress. The drawing has dramatic shading and bold lines, conveying intense emotions. The figures appear to be in a state of struggle and suffering. The piece is rendered in black and white, emphasizing a somber tone.
Irwin D. Hoffman, War, 1939, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2549

War

Irwin D. Hoffman · 1939 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2549

The image shows two men from the waist up in a confined setting. Both men are working on a piece of machinery or a drill. They are wearing helmets and rugged clothing suitable for laborious work. The setting is dark with dramatic lighting, emphasizing their facial features and clothing. The man on the right has a light shining near his face, casting shadows and highlighting details. The background suggests a subterranean environment with rocky textures, illuminated by a light source.
Irwin D. Hoffman, Drilling in Ore, 1936, etching in black on wove paper, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2544

Drilling in Ore

Irwin D. Hoffman · 1936 · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2544

This is a drawing of a coal mining scene. It shows a group of miners working inside a mine. The miners are using tools such as pickaxes in various working postures. The setting is dark with light coming from their headlamps. The background includes details of the tunnel and a mining cart. The drawing is done in a monochrome palette with detailed textures and shading.
Irwin D. Hoffman, Coal Mine - West Virginia 1930, 1936, lithograph, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2550

Coal Mine - West Virginia 1930

Irwin D. Hoffman · 1936 · lithograph ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2550

This image shows a group of people, most of whom are visible from the waist up. In the center, two men are seated, playing guitars. They wear wide-brimmed hats and are seen in profile facing each other, with their bodies slightly turned towards the viewer. The man on the left has distinct facial features with a focused expression, while the man on the right appears to be singing. Both men have short hair, mostly covered by their hats, and wear loose-fitting shirts. Other individuals surround them, some wearing hats and some without, seemingly enjoying the music. The composition conveys a sense of camaraderie and festivity, against a neutral-colored background. The image is a monochromatic illustration with strong contrasts and textures.
Irwin D. Hoffman, La Cucaracha, 1935, etching in black on wove paper, Corcoran Collection (Museum Purchase, Mary E. Maxwell Fund, 1935), 2015.19.372

La Cucaracha

Irwin D. Hoffman · 1935 · etching in black on wove paper ·  Accession ID  2015.19.372

This is a drawing of a group of individuals with horses and bulls in an oval arena setting. The scene shows several figures interacting closely with a large bull in the middle of the arena. Around the central action, there are additional figures seated or standing, observing the event. The drawing's lines convey movement and tension. The setting includes an enclosing fence that defines the arena space, and it’s filled with dynamic figures either mounted on horses or interacting with the bull. The composition is detailed with careful attention to the expressions and postures of the figures, illustrating the drama of the scene.
Irwin D. Hoffman, Associated American Artists, Rodeo, 1934, etching in brown, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2542

Rodeo

Irwin D. Hoffman, Associated American Artists · 1934 · etching in brown ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2542

The image shows a person in a seated position with a bald head, wearing a dark coat and trousers. Their facial features are shadowed, and they are holding a hat in their hands. The background is textured with dark hatching, and the word "BANK" is faintly visible on the wall behind them.
Irwin D. Hoffman, I Have a Friend at Manhattan Bank, 1931, etching, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2548

I Have a Friend at Manhattan Bank

Irwin D. Hoffman · 1931 · etching ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2548

The image shows two men standing close to each other. Both men are in profile, with their hands extended towards each other. The man on the left wears a hat with a brim, a jacket, and pants. The man on the right wears a flat cap and a long coat. The background is textured.
Irwin D. Hoffman, Butts, 1931, etching, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2547

Butts

Irwin D. Hoffman · 1931 · etching ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2547

The image shows two individuals seated on a bench. One person leans against the other, both in a relaxed position, potentially asleep, with their heads tilted slightly forward. Their facial features are shaded, with one wearing a hat covering part of their face. They are dressed in heavy clothing suitable for colder weather, including coats and hats. The background depicts an urban park scene with leafless trees, and a row of benches lines a path that curves into the distance, all rendered in dark tones.
Irwin D. Hoffman, New York, 1931, etching, Reba and Dave Williams Collection, Gift of Reba and Dave Williams, 2008.115.2546

New York

Irwin D. Hoffman · 1931 · etching ·  Accession ID  2008.115.2546