biography of Charles C. HOFMANN (1821-1882)

Birth place: Germany

Death place: Berks County Almshouse, PA

Addresses: Pennsylvania

Profession: Painter

Work: NGA

Comments: One of three "Almshouse Painters" (the other two being John Rasmussen and Louis Mader), he immigrated to Berks County, PA in 1860. From 1865-72, he traveled along the Schuylkill River painting decorative landscape "portraits" of farms and businesses on commission. Because he was an alcoholic, however, he made repeat visits to the public poorhouses and died in one.

Sources: 300 Years of American Art, vol. 1, 191